Cooperatives around the country need your help! The only federally funded cooperative development program is in danger! Check out how you can help!

The only federally-funded cooperative development program is in danger!  We need you to reach out to Congressman Charlie Dent via email here, or give him a call at (610) 770-3490 to ask him to support its full funding.

IF YOU EMAIL HIM, feel free to copy and paste the letter below.  Personalized letters are always more powerful, so edit freely.  And of course, remember that by being respectful we are more likely to win him over as an ally.

“Dear Congressman,
I’m writing to express concern that the House Agriculture Appropriations Committee did not fund the Rural Cooperative Development Grant program last week.

I would urge you to please support this important program when the full Appropriation Committee votes on this bill.

I’m closely involved with the Bethlehem Food Co-Op, a start-up that has benefited greatly from the assistance of the Keystone Development Center, which is funded by RCDG. I believe that the co-op has great potential to be a powerful economic driver in the Lehigh Valley, support local farming families, create jobs, and provide access to low-cost, nutritious foods in Bethlehem’s food desert.  Please use your vote to make sure this important program receives the funding it needs to make a difference in your district.

Sincerely,
(your full name)”

IF YOU CALL -

Call (610) 770-3490 and say you are calling to support the Rural Cooperative Development Grant Program (RCDG).  You will likely be talking to a staff person.  That’s okay, they’ll relay the message.  Let the staff person know that you are concerned that the House Agriculture Appropriations Committee bill did not provide funding for the RCDG.

Tell him or her that you live in Dent district (let him know which town you live in) and that you’re involved in the Bethlehem Food Co-Op start-up.  Let them know that the Co-Op has great potential to be a powerful economic driver in the Lehigh Valley, support local farming families, create jobs, and provide access to low-cost, nutritious foods in Bethlehem’s food desert.   Remind them that the programs funded through RCDG, like the Keystone Development Center, are critical to making our vision a reality.  Then urge him to defend full funding for RCDG when the Farm Bill goes to the Appropriations Committee.  If you’re feeling nervous about talking to congressional staff, make your call after hours and leave a message.