Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council loses federal funds due to DEI cutbacks

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - The Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council’s contract with the USDA has been canceled, and it could mean fewer resources for local growers.

The termination is the latest trickle-down effect of federal DEI cutbacks.

In a neighborhood where barriers like transportation affect people’s access to fresh food, the Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council has bridged the gap. According to a note issued by the USDA, Ivanhoe’s $165,000 grant is now null and void because it prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and activities.

“I think the message being received is none of the entities are safe,” said executive director Alana Henry.

The organization had already been issued the first $3,000 disbursement of a $165,000 grant. They proposed using the funding to local growers in increasing the production capacity. The $165,000 grant is to be used over three years. The funds would also be used to lead grower training and order supplies.  Additional funds were allocated for the market manager and part-time assistant manager’s salaries.

They also planned on lengthening the farmer’s market season and adding an additional farmer’s market for mothers who use WIC and seniors using farmers’ market nutrition program vouchers.

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The nonprofit had to freeze hiring additional staff to their farmer’s market expansion efforts and is now turning to community to help bridge the labor gap.

“ing farmers’ urban, rural, and peri-urban, is critical for our nation’s survival and I don’t say that to be melodramatic. If we can’t find ways to our farmers then we’re not going to be able to eat,” said Henry.

Local growers are also feeling the impacts.

“Who would deny funds to someone doing something so important,” said Mike Rollen, owner of Ophelia’s Blue Vine Farm.

Rollen grows herbs and produce through his agriculture business Ophelia’s Blue Vine Farm. Ten years ago, a program at Ivanhoe helped set the foundation by showing him how to grow.

“I was so hurt when I learned they would be losing the USDA funding because I know what Ivanhoe means for so many people,” said Rollen.

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The federal grant termination means small-scale farmers like Rollen will no longer get resources to increase capacity in production and sell produce at farmer’s markets.

“What happens if there’s another COVID? What happens if our produce can’t get in, you know our people need to know how to grow their own produce which is what the Ivanhoe Farmer’s Market was all about doing,” said Rollen.

He said the work they do to help farmers of all different backgrounds has a big impact and without the , could come bigger consequences.

“We can’t have a system controlled by just a few companies. We need more diversity. We need more farmers. We need more local farmers. What happens when we have these extreme temperatures and we can’t get produce from these other countries,” he said.

Rollen suggested now is the time for farmers to fight back.

“We’re just gonna have to step up. We’re just gonna have to get more growers involved. We’re gonna have to keep pushing hard,” he said.

Ivanhoe is asking people to call on state and federal representatives to demand protection for community organizations like theirs. They are also asking for the community’s with donations and volunteers.

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