Wellness Resources

Farming can be unpredictable and demanding. At times the passion for your work can be challenged with things outside of your control like the weather or market fluctuation. These and other circumstances can lead to stress, sadness and a sense of loneliness, or depression.

The Pennsylvania Department of Agricultural, along with other State Ag Departments, have provided funding support for a resource to help you or someone you know who is struggling. The AgriStress Helpline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Additional resources can be found at the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture's website.

With the COVID-19 pandemic still ever-present in our communities, we want you to have access to resources that help keep your operations/production safe and informed as the situation evolves. We have gleaned resources from many of our agriculture partners as we work together to assist you and your business.

If you know individuals who do not have reliable access to the internet, please share the following information. Our friends at Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA) have set up a toll-free help line with details on the COVID-19 guidance from the PA. Dept. of Agriculture:

• (844) 349-9856 x 716 - for a summary of COVID-19 guidance
• (844) 349-9856 x 717 - for a recording of Pa. Dept. of Agriculture daily updates.

In addition, AgChoice has a hotline number with up to date information on the COVID-19 situation:

• (877) 772-4299

When it comes to the health and safety of our families and operations, you can contact the Department of Health in your respective states:

• MA Dept. of Health - 2-1-1
• NH Dept. of Health - (866)444-4211
• NJ Dept. of Health - (800) 962-1253
• NY Dept. of Health - (888) 364-3065
• OH Dept. of Health - (833) 427-5634
• PA Dept. of Health - (877) 724-3258
• VT Dept. of Health - (800) 464-4343

• Financial Relief Prescription Services - Best Prescription Services
• Assisted Living Services - Paying For Senior Care
• Coronavirus Food Assistance Program - USDA Farm Service Agency
• U.S. Small Business Administration - Guidance and Loan Resources
• Funding resource grants - Farmer Relief Fund
• USDA Rural Development - Updated Opportunities for Immediate Relief
• USDA Farm Service Agency - Flexibility for Farm Loans
• PA Grant Opportunities - Team Pennsylvania Emergency Agriculture Assistance Grants
• Grants for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production - USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services

General Resources:

• Resources for Organic Farms and Businesses (USDA)
• Coronavirus and USDA Assistance for Farmers (USDA Farm Service Agency)
• COVID-19 information for farms, businesses and markets (Penn State Extension)
• Farmers' Guide to COVID-19 Relief (Farmers' Legal Action Group)
• COVID-19 Guidelines for Farms and Markets (PASA Webinar)
• COVID-19 Testing, Regional Priority for Agriculture (PA Dept. of Agriculture)
• Dairy Resource Library (Center for Dairy Excellence)
• Building Farm Resilience in this Crisis (Cornell Small Farms Program)
• ATTRA COVID Response (ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture Program)
• Direct-to-Consumer Online Sales Platforms (National Young Farmers Coalition)
• Coping with Stress (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
• Farmers and Asbestos (The Mesothelioma Center)
• Working In The Trades As A Person Of Color (Service Direct)
• A Guide for Minority Entrepreneurs (Stay Tuned)

Webinar/Education Resources:

• COVID-19 Stimulus Benefits and Your Farm and Food Business Webinar (Penn State Extension)
• COVID-19 Financial Assistance for Farms & Small Businesses (PASA)
• H-2A Farm Workers & COVID-19 (PASA)
• Organic Production Webinars (Rodale Institute)