The Biden-Harris Administration has unveiled a comprehensive plan to invigorate rural America through significant investments and the introduction of a Rural Innovators Initiative. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance economic growth, infrastructure and community well-being in rural areas. It underscores the administration’s commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by rural America, ensuring that these communities are not left behind.
To celebrate, the Biden-Harris Administration hosted a Rural Communities in Action event at the White House on May 14 with rural communities across the country, inviting the Strengthening Cooperative Communities project grant awardee Donna Pearson McClish, CEO of Common Ground Producers and Growers, to speak on a panel with other rural leaders about their experiences serving their communities, showcasing the impact of these initiatives. Their efforts highlight the importance of tailored, community-focused approaches to addressing rural challenges.
McClish, a farmer from Wichita, Kansas, operates the Common Ground Producers and Growers mobile market, serving both rural and urban communities across Kansas. Launched in 2014 and initially focused on urban areas, her team discovered significant food insecurity in rural regions—particularly among senior populations lacking access to fresh, healthy food. Their mobile market now transports substantial quantities of food to both urban and rural areas across a 12-county corridor from Wichita to Salina. They address the lack of available fresh produce in both urban and rural areas, ensuring that all community members have access to nutritious food.
“The food issues in urban America are not different than rural America. There is a lack of food available and fresh produce across the board,” McClish said. “Our mobile market increases access to fresh, healthy food, including proteins, fruits, and vegetables, particularly for historically underserved populations.”
“The food issues in urban America are not different than rural America. There is a lack of food available and fresh produce across the board. Our mobile market increases access to fresh, healthy food, including proteins, fruits, and vegetables, particularly for historically underserved populations.” – Donna Pearson McClish, Common Ground Growers and Producers
McClish’s work aligns with several federal programs aimed at enhancing food systems, including the Local Food Promotion Program and the Local Food Purchase Assistance. These programs have empowered local farmers, including those of color, by providing training and financial support.
Back home in Kansas, Common Ground collaborates with the Kansas Rural Center and Kansas Farmers Union to serve rural families and develop markets for local farmers. By fostering these partnerships, they help ensure food security—particularly during disruptions like the Covid-19 pandemic.
Funding from the Biden administration, including the American Rescue Plan, has been instrumental. A $20,000 grant helped provide Covid-19 vaccination information to senior and low-income residents. Additionally, the organization received a grant from NCBA CLUSA’s Strengthening Cooperative Communities project for cooperative development programs, aiding historically underserved producers with training and financial planning.
“With this grant from NCBA CLUSA, we are giving our farmers and producers online and in-person training regarding financial impact, developing their business plans, and every gamut of farming that you could imagine so our farmers can be one,” McClish said.
Her work is a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives and government support in addressing food insecurity and strengthening local economies. Her story illustrates the transformative impact of targeted investments and community collaboration in rural areas. Through innovative programs and federal support, organizations like Common Ground are empowering local farmers, enhancing food security and fostering sustainable development.