Being a farmer doesn't mean you have to do it alone. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that farm stress and suicides are a rising concern. According to the CDC, farmer suicide rates are at least 1.5 times the national average.
Fight back against farm stress, economic loss, and social isolation by advocating and forming farm communities. Vibrant farming communities bring young and old farmers together. Communities can help shoulder the cost and the stress of farming.
In this section we will provide links to some farming communities and groups successfully trying out new ideas and providing help. There are people that care about you and here are some sources to check out.
MENTAL HEALTH AND FAMILY SERVICES
Do you need help now?
Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) for free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all across the USA.
The Lifeline is a national network of over 170 local crisis centers. You do not have to be suicidal to call. People are social. It is ok to need to talk or text with another helpful person.
You can text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the United States, anytime if you do not want to call. Crisis Text Line is available for any crisis. A live, trained Crisis Counselor will respond to your text from a secure online platform.
You have value. Please call if you are in emotional distress or depressed.
Justice for Migrant Women
Healing Voices Project
This is a mental health program for migrant farmworkers. It's goal is to provide virtual support groups to help heal, build agency, and mobilize farm workers. Website in English and Spanish. For more see their website.
So far Justice for Migrant Women have distributed over $3 million dollars in Farmworkers’ Pandemic Relief Fund to help combat financial problems caused by covid-19. This money is used to help farmworkers with essential needs like food, diapers, and medical supplies.
Justice for Migrant Women is a group involved in advancing the human and civil rights of migrant women and their families. They help out while raising awareness about the unique problems of workers in our food chain.
Check out their Humans Who Feed Us where they shine light on all the people, men and women, devoted to making sure everyone has food. Click on one of the pictures to learn more about a farm worker's life.
Farm it Forward
This Australian nonprofit connects residents who donate their land for a year with young farmers looking for a place to grow. Growers are paid a living wage by Farm It Forward.
Produce grown goes back to the community. Landowners are given produce boxes and extra produce is sold to local businesses. Any money made by the venture is paid to the young farmers.
Farm it Forward creates a vast community that also helps alleviate social isolation. Some of the landowners are retired, some live by themselves, and others are home taking care of young children. All are linked together through this program.
For more about Farm it Forward read
Farm It Forward: connecting young farmers with donated land to grow organic food.