Are you a farmer that has experienced discrimination while trying to get a loan from a bank? Do you have a story to share? Help us end discrimination in agricultural lending by sharing your story.
We are looking for both written and verbal stories, and you can remain anonymous if you choose.
The HEAL Food Alliance and other partner organizations are collecting personal stories of discrimination in commercial agricultural lending to help prevent further discrimination.
We’ll share your stories with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau – a U.S. government agency dedicated to making sure you are treated fairly by banks, lenders and other financial institutions. Our organizations are working on this effort because we know the problem exists, and because we believe your stories can influence change.
We know many farmers go to the USDA or local agricultural agencies for financial support after being rejected by commercial banks. While discrimination at the USDA has also been a problem, our work right now is focused on commercial financial institutions.
If you want to participate or find out more, please contact HEAL’s National Organizer Maleeka Manurasada (maleeka@healfoodalliance.org / 619-345-9059). Or, if you want to submit your story directly to the CFPB, you can do so here.