Real Farmer Care Self-Care Grants

Real Farmer Care Self-Care Grants is sponsored by Real Farmer Care. Real Farmer Care supports farmer wellness by awarding self-care grants to farmers across the U. S.

, with a specific focus on BIPOC and LGBTQ+ farmers who often face additional systemic inequities and barriers to support.

50% BIPOC & LGBTQ+ FARMERS Founded in January 2020 by farmer Clara Coleman, Real Farmer Care was created to address a critical yet often overlooked need: the physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing of farmers. Real Farmer Care exists to change that — one farmer at a time.

Real Farmer Care's mission is simple and transformative - to support the farmers who sustain our communities by awarding self-care grants and wellness support that enable them to care for themselves, their families, and the land. By investing in farmer wellness, we strengthen the foundation of our food systems and ensure the long-term sustainability of agriculture. When farmers are well, everything they steward is stronger for it.

Past Grant Recipients pictured from Left to Right Top Row: Mary Creveling & Nicole Gilmore (formerly of Silver Seeds Farm); Amber Tamm; Mark & Kristin Kimball of Essex Farm Bottom Row: Vera Fabian & Gordon Jenkins of Ten Mothers Farm; David & Nneka Williams and family of Sunset Market Gardens; Bil Thorn of Sky Island Farm ​ What self-care means for farmers — Farming is one of the hardest jobs in the world.

It demands everything — physically, emotionally, financially — and offers little room to stop, rest, or ask for help. The people who grow our food are often the last ones to receive care themselves. For farmers, self-care is rarely a priority — and almost never easy.

Time constraints, financial pressure, and cultural stigma push it to the bottom of a very long list. Yet the need is urgent and the stakes are high. Self-care looks different for every farmer.

For some, it's a deep tissue massage for muscles worn down by years of physical labor. For others, it's a gym or yoga membership, monthly therapy sessions, a family outing, or simply a new pair of boot insoles for tired feet. Real Farmer Care believes every farmer deserves to define what care looks like for them — and to actually receive it.

The scale of the problem— Chronic pain, emotional exhaustion, and burnout are widespread across farming communities. BIPOC and LGBTQ+ farmers face these pressures with the added weight of systemic inequities and greater barriers to support — which is why equity is central to everything Real Farmer Care does. Since 2020, we have awarded self-care grants to over 600 farmers across 45 states.

Fifty percent of recipients identify as BIPOC or LGBTQ+. Meet the farmers we've supported → and follow our work on Instagram. Real Farmer Care's Self-Care Support Survey asks farmers directly what they need.

Their responses confirm what we already know — and make the case for doing more.

83% cited time poverty and financial stress as their biggest barriers to self-care 100% highlighted an ongoing need for body repair care services such as therapeutic massage and chiropractic care 54% requested access to online or in-person therapy and farmer retreats; nearly half sought mindfulness tools 69% preferred a combination of direct cash awards and wellness programming 66% identified as USDA underserved producers; 66% farm 20 acres or fewer These findings tell a consistent story: farmers are operating under sustained physical and emotional pressure, often without the support systems they need.

They want holistic, community-based care — group retreats, peer connection, and flexible stipends that let each farmer define wellness on their own terms. There's something else worth noting: most survey respondents farm regeneratively or organically. That's not a coincidence.

Farmers who care deeply for the land tend to be the same farmers most committed to doing this work long-term — which means investing in their wellbeing is also an investment in the future of sustainable agriculture. Farmer wellness and land health are inseparable. Real Farmer Care envisions a future where farmer wellness is a core pillar of agricultural support — not an afterthought.

With your support, we can expand access to care, honor the humanity of the people who grow our food, and help build a more just and sustainable food system from the ground up. Support Real Farmer Care with a donation today. ​ When we care for farmers, farmers can care for all of us.

REAL FARMER CARE IS PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY: ​ Jordan Goldsmith of Moonrose Farm The 639th recipient is Jordan Goldsmith of Moonrose Farm in Rehoboth, MA. Jordan writes: What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “Self care is essential to replenish your body with much needed rest, relaxation, and repair. Massage is the most important way I stay flexible and avoid injury so I can stay farming for as long as possible.

I feel that taking care of our bodies is easily overlooked, especially in the heat of July, but it's important to remember the da Tyrike Brown of Tyrike Taiku The 638th recipient is Tyrike Brown of Tyrike Taiku in Lafayette Hill, PA. Tyrike writes: What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “Self care is very important to me.

I have based my whole business on offering self care practices to my local community through the herbs I grow. I believe that, in order to work and participate as a part of the community, we have to take time to rest and be in nature. ” How I might use this $100 self-care award: ”The $100 award would Shaunia Flowers of 2 Cents Homegrown The 637th recipient is Shaunia Flowers of 2 Cents Homegrown in Springfield, MA.

Shaunia writes: What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “Self care to me is relaxing after a day of seeding, planting or harvesting. Taking sometime to relax my mind and body. Rather it be yoga, pilates, sauna, rest, light therapy, hot bath, grounding myself while enjoying a picnic, getting a massage or just soaking my feet.

” How I might use this $100 self-care award: ”I would go to