New PPE Program for Farm and Food Organizations

Philadelphia’s urban farming community and neighborhood food access organizations are accustomed to doing a lot with a little. But COVID-19 has made clear the inequity in their lack of resources, and ongoing disinvestment of Black and Brown neighborhoods and communities. Farms, gardens, food pantries, and meal providers have been supplying one of the most essential needs--food--often putting their staff and volunteers at risk of infection by doing so.

In March of this year, the urban agriculture community identified that organizing for safer operations needed to be a top priority. The Urban Agriculture COVID Response Team, led by the Public Interest Law Center’s Garden Justice Legal Initiative, found that farms and gardens need Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)  (e.g. face coverings, gloves, hand sanitizer, and other necessary equipment) to keep their people and their operations safe. At the same time, the Philadelphia Food Policy Advisory Council (FPAC) Anti-Hunger Subcommittee heard from emergency meal providers, food pantries, and farmers markets that lack of access or funds for PPE has also hampered their COVID-related food relief efforts. 

Need PPE for your farm or food organization?

Please fill out this short form by July 31 with an estimate of how much PPE you need through the end of the calendar year. We will respond on a rolling basis until we run out of supplies. If we are not able to meet your whole request, we will contact you to confirm that you are willing to receive a portion of the PPE you requested.

This program is made possible by the Philadelphia Food Policy Advisory Council, Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, Soil Generation, and the Share Food Program, and through the generous financial support of the Leo and Peggy Pierce Family Foundation. 

We thank you all for your dedication during this time and always.