RURAL ACTION INC

Programs
Program 1 [2020]
Sustainable Agriculture: 137 food producers participated in trainings in 2020, ranging from beginners to more developed businesses. 1000 loaves of bread were distributed from a local bakery to those in need through member donations. 433 families received fresh, local produce through our partnership with Coplin Health Systems and Hopewell Health throughout the growing season. Members of our buying club bought more than $40,000 of local produce, helping local farmers make it through a tough year while enjoying healthy food. Zero Waste: 86,000 pounds of hard-to-recycle material was diverted from the landfill, including medical equipment that was provided to people in need. 30% of households in the City of Athens were served by a curbside compost program, piloted by Rural Action. Sustainable Forestry: Eight management plans were completed for forest landowners on more than 1,000 acres of land. 305 people participated in workshops to learn about forest farming and land management, and funding was secured to purchase small-scale forestry equipment for shared use, to assist landowners with stewardship and timber stand improvement. Environmental Education: 4,948 people engaged with 70 virtual outdoor education activities to keep kids connected to nature during the pandemic. 60 high school students completed paid internships with local businesses and organizations involved in sustainability, up from 26 in 2019. 530 hours of virtual and in-person education was provided despite the challenges of the pandemic. Resilient Communities: Partnered with local banks, philanthropies and individuals to distribute more than $96,265 in emergency grants to assist small businesses in response to mandatory closures during the pandemic. 229 businesses were contacted to assess their needs during the pandemic, resulting in additional technical assistance. Watershed Restoration: 74 stream miles have been improved through Rural Action's efforts in the Sunday Creek, Monday Creek, and Tuscarawas River Watersheds. Now, with a pH of at least 6.5, we are seeing aquatic life return to these once impaired streams, with 59 species of fish living in previously dead streams. Our national service members built 91 miles of hiking trails, installed 100 signs for public lands users, planted more than 2,000 trees and diverted 8,948 lbs of trash from the landfill through litter pickups and illegal dumpsite cleanups. Rural Action also organized a collaboration to acquire the assets of a failing non-profit, and was able to get the Community Makerspace, Upcycle Ohio thrift store, and a public tool library operational again.GeographiesNot indicatedDatesJan 1, 2020 – Dec 31, 2020Source990No causes providedNo populations provided–$2.7MWatershed Restoration and Workforce Development
Watershed Restoration: Following years of work to help avoid extinction of the eastern hellbender, a watershed team member found the first observed hellbender nest with an active re-introduced animal in the state of Ohio. Additionally, 250 acres were put into restoration or preservation projects to project watershed health. Workforce Development: Launched in 2023, the new workforce development program provides comprehensive and individualized assistance to folks facing barriers to employment. Last year 51 individuals received industry certifications through training opportunities, an important step in supporting them in finding long-term family-sustaining employment. Zero Waste: An important program to divert medical supplies from the landfill and get them into the hands of folks in need continued to see success in 2023. 2,200 pounds of medical equipment were redistributed to community members and over 2,000 pounds of supplies were distributed internationally through MedWish. Sustainable Agriculture: Rural Action is leading the Appalachia Regional Food Business Center along with 17 partners from 7 states. Launched in 2023, the program aims to put $16.6 million into the hands of farms and food businesses and provide technical assistance to support producers in growing their businesses. Additionally over $475,000 was distributed to local food producers through the Chesterhill Produce Auction (CPA) and the enterprise supported 34% more growers than the previous year. Rural Action also maintains strong programming in Sustainable Forestry, Sustainable Energy, Environmental Education, and Leadership and Service.GeographiesNot indicatedDatesJan 1, 2023 – Dec 31, 2023Source990No causes providedNo populations provided–$5.8M
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