Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the meat supply chain has been experiencing critical bottlenecks across this country, making it increasingly difficult for livestock and poultry producers to process their goods for the consumer market. This challenge has not only impacted farmers, but has also exposed the vulnerable conditions facing the workers of large-scale meat processing facilities and their families.
The Strengthening Local Processing Act offers a comprehensive plan to increase slaughter options for local livestock and poultry producers, assist smaller facilities as they adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic, and help consumers access locally-raised meat and poultry.
Learn more about the Strengthening Local Processing Act here.
Take action today by asking your Members of Congress to cosponsor the bill! Here’s how:
- MAKE A CALL: Call the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and leave a message for your Senators and Member of Congress like this:
Hi. My name is ______ and I [work with [your organization]/ am a farmer / resident of congressional district]. I am calling to request that [Representative/Senator] please cosponsor the Strengthening Local Processing Act (H.R.1258 / S.370).
[If you are going to leave a voicemail, you can continue on below with the script – if you get a staffer on the phone, now’s the time for a question like ‘are you familiar with this bill and meat processing supply chain challenges in our state/district?’]
The Strengthening Local Processing Act is a bipartisan bill that will increase the capacity of small and very small meat processing plants to better serve local livestock and poultry producers and the communities they serve. It has the potential to address livestock processing infrastructure needs at the local, regional, and state level to address recovery and relief efforts brought about by the pandemic. I have personally witnessed the challenges that small livestock and poultry producers face and its impact on the local meat supply chain in my community. [Describe a brief, personal story on why local processing bottlenecks are an issue for your state/region]. I urge [Representative/Senator] to co-sponsor this forward-looking legislation! Again, the bill number is H.R.1258 / S.370. Thank you.
[Optional] If you’d like to discuss my experience with local meat processing in [your community], please call me at [your number].
- SEND AN EMAIL: you can send one here!