As a proud West Virginian, it deeply concerns me that our state may lose a crucial opportunity to address food deserts and promote growth through the cultivation of resilient food systems. The recent decision by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to cancel the federal award from its Increasing Land, Capital, and Market Access Program significantly hinders that effort.

West Virginia University (WVU) Institute for Community and Rural Health held a five-year, $8.5 million cooperative agreement funded by the American Rescue Plan Act. This funding was intended to drive the Nourish West Virginia Initiative, which integrates agriculture and health to foster food system innovation in our state. The cancellation of this agreement also cancels this vital initiative and jeopardizes the potential societal and economic benefits it could bring to entire communities across West Virginia.

The Nourish West Virginia Initiative aims to create sustainable food systems that empower local farmers, provide fresh produce to underserved areas, and build healthier communities. With the USDA's abrupt termination of the award, WVU's ability to leverage these funds to combat food insecurity and improve public health in West Virginia is severely diminished.

We urge the USDA to reconsider their decision and reinstate the federal award to WVU. Doing so will restore the momentum needed to support West Virginia's farmers, enhance local agriculture, and ensure all residents have access to nutritious food. The success of the Nourish West Virginia Initiative could serve as a model for other rural areas facing similar challenges, underscoring the transformative potential of this project.

Join me in advocating for the reversal of this decision, and help secure the future of West Virginia's food systems. Sign this petition to show your support for reinstating the federal award to West Virginia University, ensuring the prosperity and health of our communities today and for generations to come. Together, we can make a difference and fight for the right of every West Virginian to access fresh, healthy food. Sign this petition and let your voice be heard.

Sources:
https://wvpublic.org/story/health-science/state-loses-grant-money-for-farmers-due-to-dei-concerns/

https://www.goodgroundwv.com/news/wvu-to-appeal-cancellation-of-usda-farm-service-agency-award

https://health.wvu.edu/nourish-wv/about/