“In times of need, it is imperative our communities have access to healthy foods. Providing financial support to our local food banks helps connect the nutritious foods our customers grow to those trying to make ends meet,”

said Mark Littlefield, President, and CEO of Farm Credit West.

Every year, Farm Credit West prioritizes distributing funds to fight food insecurity through its robust charitable giving program. This year, seventeen food banks received a donation to support their local programs helping families impacted by illness, job loss, or loss of a home.

“Stewardship is at the core of Farm Credit West’s mission. Year after year, we keep a keen eye on the most vulnerable in our local communities and respond with financial assistance. Our Association and its Board of Directors recognize the direct impact these organizations have on our communities and dedicate our resources to help ensure no family goes hungry.”

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Mark Littlefield, President and CEO of Farm Credit West, said:

“Virtually overnight, local communities where our staff and customers live and operate have experienced unprecedented challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Food banks are struggling to meet demand as local families face increasing food shortages. These communities are the backbone of our Association and our board is committed to contributing resources to provide relief to those impacted by this crisis.”

Farm Credit West distributed $4,000 grants to thirty food banks throughout the regions in which they operate.

“Our stewardship and philanthropic partnership program have been a core component to our business operations since our inception over 100 years ago. With the recent school closures, challenges to the workforce and increasing health risks, we believe it critical to respond quickly and in a significant way to provide financial assistance in the regions we serve. As we enter this time of uncertainty, our Association is committed to monitoring and responding to the needs in our communities.”

Source: Farm Credit West

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These loans, made through the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), will primarily be used for payroll so that employees can continue to receive paychecks and small businesses can retain their employees and will be partially or wholly forgiven.

“These loans will help us revitalize our economy and restore Texans’ livelihoods as we respond to COVID-19. I thank Goldman Sachs and the LiftFund for providing this lifeline to Texas small businesses and their employees by providing them with the support they need to overcome the challenges posed by COVID-19. This partnership is an important first step in our journey to economic recovery in the state of Texas.”

said Governor Abbott.

“We have seen first-hand the determination and resilience of small business owners in Texas, having worked alongside them for years through our 10,000 Small Businesses program. Goldman Sachs understands that our communities and economy rely on small business and we are doing everything we can to support this vital engine of economic growth and employment.”

said John Waldron, President and Chief Operating Officer of Goldman Sachs.

Goldman Sachs will provide the capital as part of its $550 million commitment to COVID-19 relief, and LiftFund, alongside other CDFIs, will administer the funding to qualified small businesses. If all stipulations are met, small business can have their loans forgiven in full by the SBA. Business owners can apply for a PPP loan and find more information about the program on the LiftFund website.

The Governor was joined for the announcement by President and COO of Goldman Sachs John Waldron, President and CEO of LiftFund Janie Barrera. Also joining the Governor were Brent Reaves, owner of Smokey John’s Bar-B-Que in Dallas, Patricia and Clint Butler, owners of Coffeecionado Community Roasters in San Antonio, and Michele and Mitch Allen, owners of iRun Texas in San Antonio. The Butlers and Allens will be the first to benefit from this partnership to provide PPP loans in Texas.

Source: Texas International Produce Association

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