EJ Screen from the EPA | Learn About Your Community

If you are applying to become a Seed Hub, or have already been functioning as one, this tool is very helpful for putting together demographic data about your community.

This is of use to you for the following reasons:

  • Track statistics for community members you want to help

  • Get some numbers together that will help you define your community as one that deserves federal funds currently allocated and set to distribute to help “disadvantaged farmers and communities.” You can share the rough overview of this data in the Seed Hub Application, and/or keep it for seeking funding and opportunities in your community.

  • Identify possible hazards in your area

Basic Overview of How to Use This Tool

You are also encouraged to check out the description of what this tool is, why it was created and identify other ways to use it!
The Glossary offers a deeper explanation of the information provided.

Enter an address to access the data window easily

Plug in an address to access the data window easily.

Enter miles from your location to find out more

  1. Add miles to indicate the area you want to find out more about.

  2. Click “Explore Results” to access the live chart.

  3. You can also quickly access reports based on your area including Census data, American Community Survey data (ACS), and local CDC report.

Explore tabs

Check EJ Indexes for possible health threats near you. This is something to consider in regards to the safety concerns in your planned growing area.

 

Check State Percentile and Regional Percentile boxes for closer regional comparisons.

Demographic Indicators give you the statistics needed to determine funding eligibility for at least one upcoming USDA grant meant to get funds to “disadvantaged” farmers to be paid for food meant for “underserved” community members.*

Scroll down to see the full chart.

*Socially Disadvantaged producers (as defined by USDA for a $400 M grant). Socially Disadvantaged Farmer or Rancher is a farmer or rancher who is a member of a Socially Disadvantaged Group. A Socially Disadvantaged Group is a group whose members have been subject to discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and, where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program.

 

This tool is very useful… and honestly, the author of this page has not had enough time to learn it. You’re encouraged to check it out and share your findings, and the ways you would use it!