Dear Friend,   Last week I shared my vision to build a Farm Bill that prioritizes the health of people and the planet over big agribusiness.    Central to this vision is recognizing that we are only as strong as our regional food systems. The federal government can and must do more to support and strengthen vibrant local food systems which are the backbone of our economies and essential to ensuring access to healthy foods.  To that end, I am proud that last week I secured a $703,046 grant for Feed'em Freedom Foundation’s Black Community Food Center. The Feed'em Freedom Foundation food center will support Black producers and farmers while providing a community food pantry, commercial kitchen space, industrial greenhouse and a variety of peer-to-peer cooking and gardening classes.   At a time when 1 in 5 Black families in Oregon experience food insecurity, the Black Community Food Center is essential infrastructure. I was delighted to successfully secure this critical grant for our community.   There is, however, much more to do to build resilient, equitable and sustainable food systems nationwide. My Food and Farm Act is the product of more than two years traveling around Oregon where I asked, "what would a Farm Bill look like if it was just for Oregon?" The answer was radically different than the status quo Congress puts forward.   My vision is a Farm Bill that: Targets the farm safety net to producers who need support, and makes it easier for small, diversified farms to benefit from Farm Bill programs.Invests in performance-based conservation programs that fight climate change and improve soil health.Improves access to health fruits and vegetables, especially for low- and moderate-income Oregonians.Reforms the bloated crop insurance program that does little to support the needs of Oregon agriculture. With the Farm Bill up for reauthorization this year, I am committed to doing everything in my power to ensure it actually serves our communities and the critical work being done at the Feed’em Freedom Foundation.