Farm and Food Work Relief

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CHEROKEE NATION

FARM AND FOOD WORKERS RELIEF (FFWR) PROGRAM

The Farm and Food Workers Relief Program was created, through USDA funding, to offset unexpected costs brought on by COVID-19, such as purchasing protective gear, paying for testing, and costs associated with quarantine requirements for both agricultural and meatpacking workers.

Eligible agricultural and meatpacking workers, can apply through Cherokee Nation for a one-time flat payment of $600.

Cherokee Nation will grant priority to members of federally recognized tribes across the US, with secondary priority granted to all eligible workers within the Cherokee Nation Reservation in NE Oklahoma.

There are 15 grantees that serve other demographics/regions. All grantees and contact information can be found at: https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/ffwr/awards

Eligible applicants must:

• be 18 at the time that work was performed
• be paid for at least one hour of agricultural work on a farm or ranch, or in a meat processing facility  between January 27, 2020 through May 11, 2023.
• be a citizen of a federally recognized tribe in the United States or a US citizen residing within the Cherokee Nation Reservation (priority is given to federally recognized tribal citizens if applying through Cherokee Nation)
• provide front and back of proof of identification (State or federally issued ID- driver’s license, passport, military ID, etc. )
• provide proof of employment (W2, 1099, employment letter, or paystubs)
• provide proof of tribal citizenship (Official tribal citizenship record with name, DOB, and address)
• Not be an owner/operator of the farm or facility where work was performed
• Not apply with work related to marijuana due to its status as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substance Act
• Not be an agricultural service worker which is defined by NASS as any farm-related service performed on a farm or ranch on a contract or fee basis