Category: Specialty Topics

Farming is more than a job; it’s an identity, a calling, and a generational promise. Yet, American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) reports that many farmers are reaching their breaking point due to many stressors.

Farmers face risk through rising input costs, low commodity prices, new tariffs, shrinking margins, labor shortages, and unpredictable weather. For the 12-month period ending June 30, 2025, there were 282 Chapter 12 farm bankruptcy filings in the U.S. The Southern region alone accounted for 101, or 35.8% of those filings. Compared to the prior 12-month period (July 2023 to June 2024), this is a 55.8% increase nationally and a 68.3% increase in the South. These statistics reflect more than financial struggles; they reveal livelihood, farming legacies, and farmland at the risk of a loss. When the future of the farm feels threatened, stress can sink into despair and take a serious toll on mental health. Too often, farmers cope in silence, pushing through the work while avoiding honest conversations with family, friends, or professionals about the financial stress they’re carrying.

Studies confirm this reality of coping in silence. Fear of being judged and shame keep many farmers from reaching out for mental health support. Although the stigma around seeking help has eased slightly in recent years, it continues to prevent many from getting the care they need. A 2019-2021 AFBF study found an 11% drop in farmers and farm workers who see the stigma as a barrier, yet 61% still report it as an obstacle. Research also shows gender differences: women farmers report depressive symptoms up to four times higher than men, while male farmers face a suicide risk 50% greater than men in other occupations. In short, male farmers die by suicide at higher rates, while women farmers experience higher rates of ongoing depression, highlighting the elevated financial stress across agriculture.

A recent Center for Disease Control (CDC) study further underscores the risk. CDC reports that farmer suicide rates are 3.5 times higher than the national average. Rural isolation and the stigma of seeking help for mental health, combined with access to firearms and toxic farm chemicals, makes a crisis especially dangerous. When financial stress runs this deep, it shows up in words, actions, and farm operations. Some of the common red flags to watch for:

• Verbal cues: “I can’t afford to feed my cows,” “I am a failure.”
• Behavioral changes: Social withdrawal, uncharacteristic anger, neglecting bills or chores.
• Farm operation clues: Missed planting or harvest windows, sudden downsizing without a plan, neglected livestock.
• Emotional/physical changes: Persistent hopelessness, sleep or eating changes, unexplained aches.

Every farmer faces difficult choices. But nobody should shoulder these burdens alone. Support can start close to home with a trusted pastor, church member, Extension agent, or counselor/therapist. Community also plays a vital role: peer support, connection, and resources can save lives. By checking in, listening without judgment, and normalizing conversations about financial stress, we can recognize red flags early, save lives, and help farm families build a sustainable future. A recent University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture publication, Identifying Financial Stress in Farmers and Ranchers: A Guide for Families, Friends, and Agricultural Community Stakeholders, highlights practical ways communities can recognize red flags of distress before a crisis unfolds. 

If red flags persist, seek support: 

• Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988
• AgriStress Helpline: 1-833-897-2474
• Farm Aid: 1-800-327-6243

Cooperative Extension Services across the United States provide suicide prevention training, often using evidence-based programs like QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer). Many Extension systems also offer mental health resources directly or can connect families to local providers. In addition, the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) is a national resource offering farm stress and mental health support, with tools designed specifically for agricultural communities. For more information, visit: https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/general-information/staff-offices/office-congressional-relations/office-external-and-intergovernmental-affairs/center-faith/farm-stress-and-mental-health-resources

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References

American Farm Bureau Federation. (2021, December). Farmer and rural perceptions of Mental Health. Farmer and Rural  Perceptions of Mental  Health. https://www.fb.org/files/Farmer_and_Rural_Mental_Health_AFBF.pdf

American Farm Bureau Federation Staff. “Modern farmer: Farmers face a mental health crisis. Talking to others in the industry can help.” American Farm Bureau Federation.  https://www.fb.org/in-the-news/modern-farmer-farmers-face-a-mental-health-crisis-talking-to-others-in-the-industry-can-help. June 24, 2024.

Fields, Erica Barnes, and Rainey, Rainey. “Identifying Financial Stress in Farmers and Ranchers: A Guide for Families, Friends, and Agricultural Community Stakeholders.” University of Arkansas Factsheet. Retrieved from: https://www.uaex.uada.edu/publications/pdf/FSA96.pdf 

Loy, Ryan, Fields, Erica Barnes, and Rainey, Ronald. “Tracking Chapter 12 Bankruptcies in the South: 2015 – 2025 Trends and Identifying On-Farm Stress.” Southern Ag Today 5(37. l). September 8, 2025. Permalink  

Sussell A, Peterson C, Li J, Miniño A, Scott KA, Stone DM. Suicide Rates by Industry and Occupation — National Vital Statistics System, United States, 2021 . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2023;72:1346–1350. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7250a2 Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm7250a2.htm#suggestedcitation

United States Courts. (2025). Caseload Statistics Data Tables. Retrieved from: https://www.uscourts.gov/statistics-reports/caseload-statistics-data-tables

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Fields, Erica Barnes, Ryan Loy, and Ronald Rainey. “Farm Financial Stress and Suicide Risk: Red Flags Every Community Should Know.” Southern Ag Today 5(40.5). October 3, 2025. Permalink

Despite growing awareness of the issue, access to high-quality financial education remains inconsistent, especially in vulnerable communities. Studies have shown that early intervention, ideally during high school or even middle school, can lay the groundwork for responsible money habits later in life [Urb+20]. Educators and nonprofit organizations around the globe are now designing curricula focused on real-world financial skills: budgeting, navigating loans, understanding interest rates, and more. By integrating practical lessons into classroom settings, students can build confidence in handling money matters and cultivate healthy habits that last well into adulthood.

Recent evidence further underscores the importance of targeting financial education efforts toward vulnerable groups. Wagner (2019) found that financial education, whether provided in high school, college, or through employers, is strongly associated with higher financial literacy scores, with the effect being especially pronounced among individuals with lower income and education levels. Using national survey data, the study highlights that financial education can substantially narrow financial knowledge gaps, particularly benefiting populations who are often vulnerable by traditional financial systems.

This targeted approach is especially critical given the complex modern financial landscape. Recent surveys reveal that many adults struggle to grasp even the basics of personal finance. In 2024, the Personal Finance Index (P-Fin Index) published by TIAA Institute-GFLEC revealed that, on average, U.S. adults answered only 48% of the 28 questions correctly, indicating significant knowledge gaps in areas such as compound interest, inflation, and risk diversification [TG24]. This finding underscores a widespread lack of financial knowledge. Moreover, women, low-income individuals, and those with lower levels of education are particularly prone to these gaps [LM20], which further emphasizes the need for targeted educational interventions.

From a broader societal perspective, enhancing financial literacy helps build stronger and more equitable economies, particularly for vulnerable communities. Research demonstrates that financially literate individuals are more likely to start small businesses, avoid predatory lending practices, and remain resilient during economic downturns [Con22; KLO15]. This is especially significant for low-income and minority populations who have historically faced barriers to financial information and services. A cross-national study of 143 countries found that regions with targeted financial education programs experienced increased formal banking participation among previously unbanked populations, reducing their reliance on exploitative informal financial services [GKM18; CSZ16]. When vulnerable communities gain financial knowledge, they become better protected against financial fraud and predatory lending practices that disproportionately target these populations [BS21].

The necessity of financial literacy education cannot be overstated. Clear, accessible, and well-structured programs that address core concepts offer individuals of all ages the tools they need to manage their resources effectively. Bolstering one’s financial knowledge can have profound implications, not just for personal prosperity but for the economic well-being of entire communities [LM20].

References

[BS21] B. Balasubramnian and J. D. Springer. “Impact of Inflated Perceptions of Financial Literacy on Financial Decision Making.” Journal of Economic Psychology 82 (2021), p. 102343. DOI: 10.1016/j.joep.2020.102306.

[Con22] Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Financial Literacy Annual Report. Tech. rep., Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, 2022. https://www.consumerfinance.gov/data-research/research-reports/financial-literacy-annual-report/.

[CSZ16] S. Cole, T. Sampson, and B. Zia. “Prices or Knowledge? What Drives Demand for Financial Services in Emerging Markets?” Journal of Finance 66.6 (2016), pp. 1933–1967. DOI: 10.1111/j.1540-6261.2011.01696.x.

[GKM18] A. Grohmann, T. Klühs, and L. Menkhoff. “Does Financial Literacy Improve Financial Inclusion? Cross Country Evidence.” World Development 111 (2018), pp. 84–96. DOI: 10.1016/j.worlddev.2018.06.020.

[KLO15] L. Klapper, A. Lusardi, and P. van Oudheusden. “Financial Literacy Around the World: Insights from the Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services Global Financial Literacy Survey.” World Bank Research Report (2015). https://gflec.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/3313-Finlit_Report_FINAL-5.11.16.pdf.

[LM20] A. Lusardi and O. S. Mitchell. “Financial Literacy and Financial Resilience: Evidence from Around the World.” Financial Management 49 (2020). DOI: 10.1111/fima.12283.

[TG24] TIAA Institute and Global Financial Literacy Excellence Center. 2024 TIAA Institute-GFLEC Personal Finance Index: Financial Literacy in the United States. Tech. rep., TIAA Institute, 2024. https://gflec.org/initiatives/personal-financeindex/.

[Urb+20] C. Urban et al. “The Effects of High School Personal Financial Education Policies on Financial Behavior.” Economics of Education Review 78 (2020), p. 101786. DOI: 10.1016/j.econedurev.2018.03.006.

[Wag19] J. Wagner. “Financial Education and Financial Literacy by Income and Education Groups.” Journal of Financial Counseling and Planning 30.1 (2019), pp. 132–141. DOI: 10.1891/10523073.30.1.132.

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Lee, Siun. “Financial Literacy for All: Addressing Disparities Through Targeted Education.” Southern Ag Today 5(37.5). September 12, 2025. Permalink

Specialty crops are historically, and currently, labor-intensive enterprises.  Labor costs typically range from 30-40% or more of total annual operating costs.  Additional labor in packing, grading, distribution, and other supply chain activities makes this sector especially vulnerable to supply limitations and cost increases. The H-2A program, a program farmers rely on to meet their labor demand increased almost three-fold in the past decade. Approximately 75% of these workers were employed in the US specialty crop sector in 2024 (Figure 1). This growth in employment has happened despite significant increases in the adverse effect wage rate (AEWR) in the last years.

An expected response to the higher labor costs facing the US specialty crop farmers includes investments in technological alternatives.  Automation, however, is often difficult to quickly implement as a substitute factor of production and includes high learning costs.  Additionally, size and scale economies tend to dictate where adoption may or may not be feasible in the field or packing line.  

To provide deeper insights into potential solutions for smaller SE US specialty crop growers, we gathered responses from produce industry leaders nationwide, who weighed in on labor saving technology substitution strategies. They shared the following valuable observations in response to the prompt: If there’s a labor-technology shift underway, could this prove too difficult for small farm agriculture?

“Most labor technology is larger scale, and even though it has come a long way, harvest for fresh market and what is needed for quality in a timely way is a long ways away.” Chris Falak (Gerber Grower direct farm sourcing)

“The industry is driven to use technology to replace labor, and the wage rate is ever increasing as well as other input costs. So far, innovations include optical packing lines, robotic and drone type sprayers and field disease detection. It will be difficult for small farms to absorb the increase in cost as the initial technology is cost prohibitive given a small number of acres.”  Greg Cardamone, L& M Produce

“There could be barriers to entry for high-tech production ag equipment but there are also amazing opportunities to include better business management software, AI, and other technologies to help with management costs, sales, procurement, and supply chain. Those advantages could be easier for small farms to adapt verses larger incumbents that already have huge sunk costs in old ways of doing things. Small farm agriculture can also be better at hitting niche, low volume but high margin markets that are too finicky for large scale operations.”  Cory Reinle, Nestle Produce Procurement Leader, formerly with Pero Farms and Winn-Dixie

“Definitively costly yet more sharing equipment/solutions and more IT companies adapting to smaller farmers by leasing vs. selling; pricing adjustments. The only concern here is that unless they start getting paid higher prices, they do not seem sustainable for the costs incurred. The owners are also concerned that training workers on new technology is time consuming for such short times of usage. This is a question mark for the future for small farmers.”  Martha Montoya, CEO Ag Tools

“It will definitely present challenges, particularly in terms of capital investment and technical capacity. However, small farms still hold strategic advantages. They can differentiate themselves through direct-to-consumer marketing, local branding, and agility in responding to niche market demands. Moreover, diversification away from traditional growing regions—whether due to climate, labor, or logistics—can enhance supply chain resilience. Proximity to end consumers also reduces food miles and improves freshness, offering small farms a competitive edge even if they adopt technology at a slower pace.”  Molly Tabron, Robinson Fresh

We identified two key takeaways emerging from the viewpoints of these industry experts that may provide smaller SE US produce growers with useful information:

1. As fast as technology has developed to support farm and post-harvest activities, pivoting away from the status quo will be slow.  In some ways, smaller farms have advantages where they utilize less total labor and produce for niche markets that pay a high-quality premium.  They may have less incentive to pivot toward more automated systems.
2. Automation related to management tools that can be used across supply chains may be under-appreciated as part of this revolution.  Tools that can better facilitate the handling of high value perishable crops may have a larger impact on managing costs and adoption may not be as scale dependent.

In sum, the dynamics of labor cost and utilization will remain a central issue for the specialty crops industries for easily the next decade.  Farms, industry partners, policy makers, and the ag technology trade need to work together to support labor and technology development for this industry that is characterized by highly segmented markets and variable production systems.

Figure 1.

Notes:

The author wishes to express thanks to the industry leaders that have contributed to the perspectives shared in this article.  This was part of a special session organized by the Specialty Crops Section of the American Agricultural and Applied Economics Association annual meeting which took place in Denver, Colorado, on 28 July 2025. Session presenters, Maria Bampasidou, Elizabeth Canales, Karina Gallardo, Kuan-Ming Huang, Kim Morgan, Suzanne Thornsbury, and Tim Woods, are members of the S1088 Specialty Crops and Food Systems: Exploring markets, supply chains and policy dimensions.  Figure 1 shared here by Bampasidou and Canales from their presentation titled “Labor Considerations: Observations from Southern States”.

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Woods, Tim. “The Labor-Technology Shift for Smaller Southeastern U.S. Specialty Crop Growers.” Southern Ag Today 5(35.5). August 29, 2025. Permalink

At first glance, services like Instacart, Hello Fresh, and DoorDash may seem unrelated to Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA), a business model that connects consumers directly with local farmers through seasonal subscriptions and spotlights the shortest food miles, strong community ties, and sustainable farming.  However, the rapid growth of these convenience-oriented platforms (Kaczmarski, 2024; Restrepo & Zeballos, 2024; Statista, n.d.) is reshaping how people shop, cook, and eat. As more consumers prioritize convenience and time savings, traditional CSA models are under pressure to adapt or risk becoming obsolete.

When it comes to delivery meals, services like Instacart, Hello Fresh, and DoorDash cater to different food preferences, such as grocery delivery, meal kits, and cooked meals, each offering increasing levels of convenience. Instacart provides the convenience of traditional grocery shopping without leaving home. For those who prefer not to shop for groceries themselves, Hello Fresh simplifies meal preparation with curated kits designed for busy individuals or those less familiar with cooking. Finally, for people who neither want to cook nor shop, DoorDash delivers ready-to-eat restaurant meals within minutes. The popularity of these services reflects a broader shift in food purchasing habits where time savings often take priority over the cooking experience itself.

By contrast, traditional CSAs occupy the opposite end of the spectrum. Customers typically pick up raw ingredients and prepare meals themselves, valuing the experience of supporting their local community and using ingredients with the shortest possible food miles. While many modern CSAs have adapted by offering home delivery and more flexible subscription options, these services often still require advance commitment and less customization than convenience-focused platforms. Consequently, the rising popularity of services like Instacart, Hello Fresh, and DoorDash suggests shifting consumer preferences that pose challenges to the traditional CSA model.

However, the increasing popularity of these services does not mean that demand for local food is shrinking; in fact, it is actually increasing (USDA, 2024). Despite these challenges, CSAs still hold unique advantages that big supermarkets and large food delivery services simply cannot replace: unparalleled freshness due to extremely short food miles and the value of community support with community engagement. Then, what obstacles keep micro-local farmers from sustaining these unique values, and how might they be addressed?

Many small local farmers say their biggest challenge is marketing their produce, yet they often show little interest in joining cooperatives that could help address this issue. This hesitation often comes from concerns about losing independence, mistrust, or simply a lack of awareness about the benefits. While running an independent business may seem more appealing, joining a cooperative does not mean giving up ownership, as cooperatives operate like owners’ clubs. By joining cooperatives, micro-farmers can focus on growing food instead of handling marketing, distribution, and sales alone. Along with gaining stronger bargaining power, cooperatives also help farmers save money by sharing resources, reaching larger markets, learning from each other, and building stronger brands. Working together can make it easier for farmers to stay profitable and succeed in today’s ever-changing food market.

Policy and community support also play a crucial role in creating an environment where cooperatives can thrive and better serve local farmers. Many local organizations, including cooperative extensions, NGOs, and government programs, focus on providing training and technical assistance to new local farmers. While these efforts are valuable, concentrating solely on education without also developing reliable and easily accessible markets limits their effectiveness. To be more effective, policies and community initiatives should prioritize strengthening local cooperatives and developing both offline and online markets with low or no entry barriers for newcomers (Seo, 2024), using cooperatives as a central hub.

Lastly, instead of seeing convenience services only as competitors, farmers might find opportunities to collaborate or integrate with them. For example, CSAs might use delivery platforms to expand their reach while maintaining their core values. Exploring these kinds of innovations could help traditional CSAs adapt to changing consumer preferences without losing their unique strengths.

References

Kaczmarski, M. (2024, April). Which company is winning the restaurant food delivery war? Bloomberg Second Measure. https://secondmeasure.com/datapoints/food-delivery-services-grubhub-uber-eats-doordash-postmates/

Restrepo, B. J., & Zeballos, E. (2024, February). New survey data show online grocery shopping prevalence and frequency in the United States. USDA ERS. https://www.ers.usda.gov/amber-waves/2024/february/new-survey-data-show-online-grocery-shopping-prevalence-and-frequency-in-the-united-states

Seo, F. (2024, July). Is the current CSA model sustainable? A lesson from Korea. Southern Ag Today. https://southernagtoday.org/2024/07/05/is-the-current-csa-model-sustainable-a-lesson-from-korea/

Statista. (n.d.). Meal kit delivery – United States. Statista Market Insights. Retrieved August 1, 2025, https://www.statista.com/outlook/emo/online-food-delivery/grocery-delivery/meal-kit-delivery/united-states

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service. (2024, March). Agricultural Census shows strong growth in direct sales from farms and ranches. Charts of Note. https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/charts-of-note/chart-detail?chartId=108821

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Seo, Frank. “Instacart, Hello Fresh, DoorDash, and CSA.” Southern Ag Today 5(34.5). August 22, 2025. Permalink

In the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2025 publication Principles of Community Engagement, community engagement is defined as building “sustainable relationships through trust and collaboration, strengthening community well-being”. Wallerstein et al. (2015) emphasized that essential strategies for a wide variety of community and organizational settings can be developed through community engagement and organizing. The recent flash flooding in Central Texas over the July 4^th holiday weekend is an example of this engagement with numerous nonprofit charitable organizations involved in search, rescue, cleanup, and support efforts. These organizations include Texas Search and Rescue (TEXSAR), Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, the Salvation Army, the American Red Cross, Kerrville Pets Alive, and many others. This article explores the contributions of charitable nonprofit organizations to community development, showcasing selected models of engagement and their broader regional impact in the southern U.S.

Community engagement through charitable organizations is a cornerstone of sustainable economic and social development across the United States (Wallerstein et al. 2015; Balsano 2005). These organizations support jobs and consume goods and services, thereby investing directly and indirectly into the local economy and contributing to community economic development. Furthermore, their community involvement and presence encourage charitable giving. Giving USA (2025) reported an overall increase in charitable donations of 6.3% in 2024, although there have been fluctuations in donations over the past five years. Studies have found that individuals receive some level of personal satisfaction when they donate (Crumpler and Grossman 2008; Hughes 2006; Steinberg 1997). Figure 1 shows that revenue per capita and the share of nonprofit relative to private employment are more concentrated in the northern United States, with relatively lower levels in the southern states. This regional disparity highlights lower nonprofit revenue per capita and fewer paid staff or volunteers relative to the for-profit private sector in southern communities. 

The Southern region’s unique challenges, including higher poverty rates, food insecurity, and more frequent natural disasters compared to other U.S. regions (Thomas and Liao 2024), underscore the critical role of non-profit organizations in community development. Non-profit organizations such as regional food banks, Lions Club International, and Rotary Club have emerged as crucial partners in addressing some of these challenges through targeted interventions and community mobilization. For instance, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported that 14% of households in the Southern U.S. faced food insecurity between 2021 and 2023, leading to a rise in demand for food assistance from regional food banks. Lions Club International’s southern chapters implemented over 2,500 community service projects in 2022, focusing on vision care, diabetes prevention, and youth development programs. These organizations leverage volunteer networks and community resources to address immediate needs while building long-term resilience through education, health services, and disaster preparedness initiatives.

A more localized nonprofit is the Texas A&M University’s The REACH Project, which exemplifies innovative approaches to community development through academic-community partnerships. This project has demonstrated remarkable success in supporting essential workers through comprehensive support services. Currently, it has assisted over 3,000 essential workers and their families, providing access to affordable housing solutions, healthcare services, and educational opportunities. Similar initiatives have emerged in Alabama, such as the Black Belt Community Foundation, the foundation awarded over $500,000 in 2024 through 130 grants to community and arts organizations across 12 counties. The initiative supports local efforts in community development and the arts, reflecting its commitment to empowering the Black Belt region. These programs demonstrate the effectiveness of collaborative approaches involving academic institutions, local communities, and non-profit organizations in fostering sustainable development.

The impact of charitable non-profits on communities extends beyond immediate service delivery to fundamental social and economic transformation. Research indicates that communities with higher levels of non-profit engagement demonstrate greater resilience during economic downturns and natural disasters (Roberts et al., 2021; Searing et al., 2023). According to Giving USA (2025), nonprofits that retained 10% more of their donors experienced up to a 200% increase in fundraising revenue during the 2023 economic downturn, demonstrating how sustained nonprofit engagement enhances financial resilience. As the southern region faces evolving challenges from climate-related disasters to economic disparities, charitable non-profits play an increasingly vital role in community development. Strengthening collaboration with these organizations represents a crucial investment in building more resilient and sustainable communities.

Figure 1: Nonprofit Revenue Per Capita and Private Nonprofit Employment Share by State in 2023

References

Balsano, A.B. 2005. Youth civic engagement in the United States: Understanding and addressing the impact of social impediments on positive youth and community development. Applied Development Science 9(4): 188-201.

Black Belt Community Foundation. Retrieved April 15, 2025, from https://blackbeltfound.org/news/2025artscommunitygrants/.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: CDC/ATSDR. 2025. Principles of community engagement (3rd ed.). https://hsc.unm.edu/population-health/_documents/principles-of-community-engagement_3rd-edition.pdf. 

Crumpler, H., and P. Grossman. 2008. An experimental test of warm glow giving. Journal of Public Economics 92(5-6): 1011-1021. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpubeco.2007.12.014. 

Hughes, P. 2006. The economics of nonprofit organizations. Nonprofit Management and Leadership 16(4): 385-508. https://doi.org/10.1002/nml.119. 

Lions Clubs International. Southern Region Community Service Impact Report 2022. Retrieved April 15, 2025, from https://www.lionsclubs.org/en/discover-our-clubs/service-report-2022.

National Council of Nonprofits. (n.d.). Economic impact of nonprofits. Retrieved July 15, 2025, from https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/about-americas-nonprofits/economic-impact-nonprofits.

Roberts, F., F. Archer, and C. Spencer. 2021. The potential role of nonprofit organizations in building community resilience to disasters in the context of Victoria, Australia. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction 65. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2021.102530.

Searing, E.A.M., K. Wiley, and S.L. Young. 2023. Resiliency tactics during financial crisis. In The Nonprofit Resiliency Framework, Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003387800-34.

Steinberg, R. 1997. Overall analysis of economic theories. Voluntas 8 (2): 179–204.

The REACH Project. Retrieved April 15, 2025, from https://agsreach.networkforgood.com/.

Thomas, C., and A. Liao. 2024. The Food Insecurity Challenge: A Snapshot of the Southern U.S. Southern Ag Today 4(40.5). October 4, 2024. https://southernagtoday.org/2024/10/04/the-food-insecurity-challenge-a-snapshot-of-the-southern-u-s/. 

United States Department of Agriculture. Economic Research Service. Retrieved April 15, 2025, from https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/food-security-in-the-united-states.

Wallerstein, N., M. Minkler, L., Carter-Edwards, M. Avila, and V. Sanchez. 2015. Improving health through community engagement, community organization, and community building. In K. Glanz, B.K. Rimer and K. Viswanath (Eds.), Health behavior: Theory, research, and practice (pp. 277-300). Wiley.

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Thomas, Chrystol, An-Ting Liao, and Sreedhar Upendram. “Nonprofit Organizations and Community Engagement: Bridging Gaps in Local Support.” Southern Ag Today 5(30.5). July 25, 2025. Permalink