About RAPP

“It’s a model for the nation, for the world.”
First Lady, Michelle Obama, upon visiting on April 15, 2010, the New Roots Community Farm in San Diego developed by RAPP grantee, the San Diego International Rescue Committee

The Refugee Agricultural Partnership Program (RAPP) improves the supply and quality of food in urban and rural areas through refugee farming projects. Such projects provide income opportunities for refugees while also encouraging a healthy diet.

RAPP project goals include the creation of:

  • Sustainable income
  • Supplemental income
  • An adequate supply of healthy food
  • Better physical and mental health

RAPP supports collaboration among refugees and other community-based organizations to participate in activities such as:

  • Community gardens
  • Small acreage farming
  • Farm-to-school programs and school gardens
  • Health and nutrition classes
  • Farmers’ markets and local food banks

Collaboration with both public and private organization contributes to RAPP success. These partnerships have helped incorporate refugees into the mainstream of the sustainable food movement.

In FY 2011, RAPP has 14 grantees, but our network includes 230 subscribers to the RAPP Listserv. Technical assistance is available through the Institute for Social and Economic Development (ISED).  In addition to grantee support, an interactive blog allows grantees to share best practices and improve their respective programs.

To learn more about what happened in 2011, read the RAPP Annual Report for 2011 (DOC 35KB).

For more information on RAPP Programs, join the Listserv.

List of Current Grantees

Funding Opportunities

Contact Information
Larry Laverentz
RAPP Program Manager
Office of Refugee Resettlement
Administration for Children and Families
901 D Street, SW
Washington, DC 20447
Phone: 202.401.4861
Fax: 202.401.5487
Larry.laverentz@acf.hhs.gov