Cuts threaten food access and rural stability

Gail Donkers, Faribault Farmer

Gail Donkers, a farmer in Faribault, sees the connection between food access and farm sustainability every day. From her perspective, federal nutrition and agriculture programs like SNAP and the Farm Program support families, help power rural economies, and put healthy, local food on the table. 

“When people use SNAP dollars at farmers markets or buy meat directly from a farmer, they’re getting the freshest food and supporting local producers at the same time. How beautiful is that?” 

Donkers participates in Minnesota Farmers Market Association programs that stretch food dollars further. For farmers like her, programs that link nutrition assistance with local agriculture are a win-win: families get healthier food, and farmers stay in business. 

“We want our people to eat well. Not processed food, but real food that helps them learn, grow and live well.” 

She knows firsthand the value of support. Years ago, her family used WIC while starting their farm and raising young children. Today, she proudly shares that all three of her children graduated from college. 

“I’m not ashamed to say we needed help. It meant so much to our family at the time.” 

She also worries about those who face greater challenges, like her daughter, a full-time wheelchair user and college graduate, who has been able to thrive. What might happen to others who don’t have access to the same support? 

“Children, people with disabilities, our elderly are so important and they’re the people who get pushed to the side every single time.” 

Donkers said the Farm Program is equally vital for rural stability, offering crop protections and investments that allow producers to weather market shifts and disasters. 

“There are so many other things that the Farm Program produces to benefit rural communities, especially to build healthy, vital rural communities.”