Our primary goals for the LFC accountability project are:

• Raising community awareness about the LFC’s actions and their impact.

• Ensuring that funders and donors are aware of the ongoing harm caused by the LFC.

• Pausing further equity funds to the LFC until genuine community engagement and co-creation with impacted residents is demonstrated.

• Advocating for structural changes within the LFC.

• Informing future funding processes in the Valley to ensure they are equitable and community-centered.

SLV TIERRA has documented the following issues within the LFC:

• Lack of diversity in positions of power and leadership 

• Immense pay inequities 

• No pathway for complaints and resolution 

• Inner organization retaliation 

• Overwork of employees 

• High turnover rate, especially among employees of color 

• Limited community trust to do equity projects that require community buy-in

• Inaccurate and misleading project narratives 

• False marketing and advertising 

• Misrepresentation of activities and reporting to funders and the public 

• Lack of transparency 

• Conflicts of interest 

• Performative addressing of concerns 

• Performative equity work

How did we get here?

Months and Years Prior to February 2024 - Current and former staff members made numerous attempts to address systemic issues at the LFC. These efforts were largely rebuffed by LFC leadership. Community members and program participants spoke among themselves frequently to express frustration and hurt resulting from the LFC’s actions. Turnover at the organization, particularly with staff of color, was high.

February 28th, 2024 - Members of SLV TIERRA were invited to the SLV Equity Coalition meeting to share their experiences with the LFC.

March 13, 2024 - SLV TIERRA hosted the “State of Equity in the SLV”, a public meeting to discuss equity in the Valley, introduce TIERRA, and discuss the LFC’s CFAA in a community setting. Community members requested dollar amounts for the CFAA budget. The LFC director was not able to provide the amount.

June 10, 2024 - SLV TIERRA published the CFAA Equity Report.

June 11, 2024 - SLV TIERRA and the LFC will engage in a facilitated meeting to discuss key issues and next steps.

SLV TIERRA emphasizes that engaging in public accountability processes, particularly with the SLV Local Foods Coalition, was a measure taken as a last resort. Our philosophy centers on there being ample opportunity and support for organizations receiving funding to promote equity to address inequitable practices internally before public intervention.

The situation with the Local Foods Coalition reflects numerous attempts made to address serious concerns, with leadership failing to acknowledge these concerns, a step that is fundamental to the repair process. Organizations committed to equitable practice take workplace concerns seriously, especially when raised by traditionally marginalized individuals.