| USDA Center for Faith
August 2025 Newsletter | | | | Note from Dr. Alveda King | | | |
Greetings Faith and Community Partners,
Welcome to this month's USDA Center for Faith email newsletter.
What a summer it has been! The USDA Center for Faith has been busy hosting meetings and events in the nation's capital, as well as in local communities across the country.
Please find a recap video below of our time at the Faith and Fellowship Day at the Great American Farmers Market. We were thrilled to host a gathering of faith leaders on the same day to establish the USDA National Prayer Shield, and look forward to continued spiritual renewal across our country.
Below you will find information about wonderful upcoming events, and a new section of our newsletter focused on resources for youth, the next generation. We look forward to partnering with you to support your powerful work.
In spirit, and with hope,
Dr. Alveda King
Senior Advisor to the Secretary for Faith and Community Outreach
USDA Center for Faith
To get the latest news, please sign up for the USDA Faith Center newsletter
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U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced the U.S. Forest Service is investing $106 million to support state and landowner efforts to conserve private working forestlands across the country. Funded through the Forest Legacy Program, these projects will protect forests vital to the economic and social fabric of local communities – ensuring they remain productive, working forests for Americans and tourists to use and enjoy.
In total, the Forest Service will fund 10 projects across 177,000 acres of state- and privately owned forestlands in Arkansas, Hawaii, Iowa, Michigan, Mississippi, New York, Oregon and South Carolina. The investments advance President Trump’s Executive Order on Immediate Expansion of American Timber Production by safeguarding forests that supply critical wood products and outdoor recreation opportunities—both of which fuel rural prosperity by creating jobs and supporting rural economies.
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U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary, M.D., M.P.H., and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced plans to support American citrus growers and cut bureaucratic barriers by proposing an update to the standard of identity (SOI) for pasteurized orange juice. This America First action will end a 60-year-old rule that hurts domestic farmers and forces reliance on foreign imports. The FDA expects this change is unlikely to affect the taste of pasteurized orange juice.
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August 5 was the Faith and Fellowship-themed day of the Great American Farmers Market, where Secretary Rollins joined Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins, and USDA Senior Advisor on Faith and Community Outreach Dr. Alveda King to issue a statement reaffirming the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) commitment to protecting and upholding religious liberties in all public engagements and federally administered programs.
“Religious freedom is America’s first protected liberty. USDA, founded on the promise to serve Americans equally, will vigorously defend the rights of individuals and organizations to express their faith in accordance with the Constitution of the United States,” said Secretary Rollins. “President Trump made it clear religious liberty is not just a personal right; it’s a national priority. By Executive Order, the President established the Religious Liberty Commission to ensure faith-based expression is protected across our Nation. At USDA, we recognize the Constitution protects religious liberties beyond private beliefs and ensures Americans are free to live out their faith in the public square and their workplaces, and when participating in USDA programs, without fear of retaliation or discrimination.”
| | On August 1, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced USDA's intent to purchase up to $230 million in fresh seafood, fruits, and vegetables from American farmers and producers to distribute to food banks and nutrition assistance programs across the country. These purchases are being made through Section 32 of the Agriculture Act of 1935 and will assist producers and communities in need. Fiscal year to date, USDA has provided more than $924 million in purchases, all which benefit the charitable feeding network. This is one of many actions USDA has taken to support smaller scale family farmers and producers. The Trump Administration is working to increase America’s economic prosperity and that includes the success of our farmers and ranchers. | | |
2025 National 4-H Week is October 5-11: Beyond Ready
This year’s National 4-H Week is October 5th – 11th and the theme is Beyond Ready! Find the tools and resources needed to help promote the celebratory week and the Beyond Ready initiative here.
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FFA Grant and Scholarship Opportunities
Through a variety of grants and scholarships, the National Future Farmers or America Organization provides financial assistance to individual members, FFA chapters and advisors. These funds are intended to remove financial barriers to participation in FFA activities. Learn more about these funding opportunities here.
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Ag Future Leaders Conference Applications are Open!
Agricultural Future of America empowers young leaders making an impact in food and agriculture. The 2025 AFA Leaders Conference will be held November 6-9, 2025 in Kansas City, Mo. The four-day event will allow attendees to work on professional skills, make connections with fellow students and hear from the folks guiding the agriculture industry today.
The conference's four tracks, matched to their year in college, help cultivate the six core competency areas of professional success: relationship development, collaboration, career management, cultural EQ, interpersonal IQ, and systems thinking. You’ll receive training in time management and goal setting while exploring career paths in the agriculture and food industry. Find more information and apply here.
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Presidential AI Challenge
The Presidential AI Challenge is now open for registration to students and educators across the country. This national challenge encourages K-12 youth, educators, mentors, and community teams to come together to solve real-world problems in their communities using AI-powered solutions, with an opportunity to showcase their solutions at a national level. Students and educators of all backgrounds and expertise are encouraged to participate and ignite a new spirit of innovation as we celebrate 250 years of American independence and look forward to the next 250 years. Learn more and register today.
| | Summer Veggie Skewers on the Grill | | |
Pick those summer veggies from the garden or local farmer's market and make some delicious skewers to be cooked grill side. Switch up the vegetable assortments and flavors and place alongside a protein, a salad, or on a bed of rice. Have your onions, zucchinis, squash, and bell peppers in a way you haven't tasted them before:
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Wednesday, August 27, 7:00 p.m.
Kennedy Center Concert Hall
Washington, D.C.
The Christian Broadcasting Network and the Kennedy Center host the free premiere of this inspiring documentary that takes you inside the impactful movement that is transforming the lives of thousands of students across the country as they turn to Christ and experience the power of God like never before. Reserve your free tickets now!
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August 31, 2025
Labor Day isn’t just a national holiday—it’s an opportunity to honor the workers, dreamers, and doers who make our communities strong. By participating in Labor Day Sunday, your church will:
- Encourage and bless local business owners and workers
- Connect faith to daily work in a tangible way
- Shine a light on God’s purpose in labor, service, and creativity
This August 31, join faith communities across the country in celebrating the dignity of work, courageous entrepreneurship, and all who labor diligently with their God-given gifts. Join the campaign and sign up to receive a free toolkit. Together, we can transform a long weekend into a community milestone.
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Monday, September 8th, 9am-4pm
World Stage Theater, Museum of the Bible, Washington, D.C.
The DOJ published a notice to announce the second Federal advisory committee meeting of the Religious Liberty Commission (Commission). This is open to the public.
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September 17-19
Carondelet Event Center, St. Paul, Minn.
National FaithLands advocates will gather to learn about successful models using religious community owned land to grow food and build community. Attendees will take part in tours of local sites creating food access for their communities and progressing the FaithLands movement. Visit faithlands.org to learn more about the featured workshops and panels..
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September 10, 17, & 24, 2:00 p.m., Virtual
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service invite urban producers, innovative producers, and other stakeholders to virtually attend a public meeting series for the Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Advisory Committee on Sept. 10, 17, and 24, 2025, from 2-4 p.m. EDT. The meetings are open to the public to join virtually with advance registration. Only one registration is necessary to attend all three meetings.
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Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) for Suicide Prevention Virtual Workshop with the Farmer Veteran Coalition
Thursday, September 18, 2:00-4:00pm
The USDA Center for Faith and the Farmer Veteran Coalition will host a free, virtual, QPR Suicide Prevention Training Session for faith and community leaders during National Suicide Prevention Month. The training provides information and best practices about how to respond and support someone who is having suicidal thoughts. A certificate will be available for participants upon completion of the workshop. Please email faith@usda.gov with any questions.
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Faith and Fellowship Musical Celebration
Tuesday, September 30
The USDA Center for Faith is hosting a celebration at headquarters featuring leadership remarks and musical performances highlighting gospel and classical music, faith and prayer, and to engage USDA employees in fellowship as we enter the new fiscal year. A recap will be available following the event. Please email faith@usda.gov if you have an interest in collaborating on an event or programming with the USDA Center for Faith.
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Faith Day at the Great American Farmers' Market
USDA hosted the Great American Farmers Market on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., during National Farmers Market Week. Across six days, the Great American Farmers Market hosted unique family-friendly programming to showcase the farmers and traditions that make America great. Tuesday, August 5 was Faith and Fellowship Day, hosted by the USDA Center for Faith . Please view photos of the event on the USDA Flickr website.
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Prayer Shield for USDA Secretary Rollins
The USDA Center for Faith hosted a prayer shield for Secretary Rollings on August 5, 2025. Dr. King led local farmers and faith leaders in a brief gathering to use the power of prayer to protect, bless, and strengthen USDA leaders. Please view photos on the USDA Flickr website.
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Faith and Farms Roundtable in Ozark, Ala.
On July 30, the USDA Center for Faith, in collaboration with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, hosted a roundtable in Ozark, Alabama that convened local and regional farmers and faith leaders. Subject matter experts discussed NRCS programs, how to access services, and participants visited local farms implementing programs to learn of best practices. If you would like to host a roundtable in collaboration with the USDA Center for Faith, please email faith@usda.gov.
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Greetings Partners,
Thank you for reading the Center newsletter and for your continued partnership and support.
If you would like to make deeper connections with USDA in your community, please do not hesitate to reach out to faith@usda.gov. We are excited to connect with you and are interested in hosting roundtables, convenings, and events in communities across the country.
Thank you for your partnership,
Alex Cordova
Deputy Director
USDA Center for Faith
To get the latest news, please sign up for the USDA Faith Center newsletter
| | | USDA Programs and Resources | | |
Rapid Response to Weather Events Across Food and Agricultural Systems
USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture seeks applications that focus on critical and urgent solutions in rapid response to weather and disaster impacts on the Nation’s food and agricultural systems and that clearly describe short-term deliverables (within 3 months of award receipt), including a plan for their adoption/use. Application window: Within 45 days of weather event or disaster
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On-Farm Labor Housing Loans
USDA Rural Development provides low-interest loans to borrowers to develop or rehabilitate rental housing for very-low- to moderate-income farm laborers. Application window: Open until funds are depleted.
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Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to very-low-income homeowners to repair, improve, or remove health and safety hazards to their homes. Application window: Open
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Environmental Quality Incentives Program
High Tunnel Initiative
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is the flagship conservation program of USDA ‘s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to help farmers, ranchers and forest landowners integrate conservation into working lands. EQIP provides technical and financial assistance to agricultural producers and forest landowners to address natural resource concerns, such as improved water and air quality, increased soil health, drought mitigation and much more.
This particular EQIP initiative encourages producers to use High Tunnel Systems (aka “hoop houses”) to extend their growing season and protect plants from severe weather.
Learn more and find your local service center at the link below.
| | Connect With Partner Centers | | | | |
