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A new resource guide published by the USDA is designed to help rural communities address the COVID-19 pandemic and the resources available to help.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue on Tuesday unveiled a one-stop-shop of federal programs that can be used by rural communities, organizations and individuals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource Guide  is a first-of-its-kind resource for rural leaders looking for federal funding and partnership opportunities to help address this pandemic.

“Under the leadership of President Trump, USDA is committed to being a strong partner to rural communities preparing for and impacted by COVID-19,” Perdue said. “This resource guide will help our rural leaders, whether they are in agriculture, education, health care or any other leadership capacity, understand what federal assistance is available for their communities during this unprecedented time.”

State Rep. Wes Allen, R-Troy, said the resource guide should be particularly useful for Alabama residents and municipalities.

“The effects of Covid on rural communities is different that the impact it has in more metropolitan areas. This is an incredible resource for Alabamians in agricultural sectors to find resources to assist in economic recovery as we emerge from this pandemic,” he said.

USDA has taken many immediate actions to assist farmers, ranchers, producers, rural communities, and rural-based businesses and organizations impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information on these actions, visit www.usda.gov/coronavirus.

The resource guide can be accessed at https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2020/04/13/usda-unveils-tool-help-rural-communities-address-covid-19-pandemic