Our First Sunday collection for June will benefit Sustainable Iowa Land Trust (“SILT”).  SILT permanently protects Iowa farmland to ensure it remains dedicated to sustainable, healthy table-food production. By keeping vulnerable farmland affordable, SILT opens doors for the next generation of diverse, regenerative farmers to grow food for our communities. Central to this mission is honoring a landowner’s legacy, empowering families to maintain permanent control over what happens to their beloved family farms, ensuring they are cherished and protected for generations rather than absorbed by industrial agriculture or lost to commercial and residential development. Additionally, SILT directly connects beginning farmers with secure, long-term land opportunities through unique, equity-building agreements.

First Sunday donations will directly support SILT’s Circle Our Cities Campaign, which focuses on protecting vulnerable farms near our urban centers. Contribution ensure that local farmland is preserved for sustainable agriculture rather than lost to corporate consolidation or suburban sprawl.

To learn more about SILT’s mission or to get involved, please visit silt.org.

Checks can be made payable either to “DMIEC” with “First Sunday” in the memo line or to “Sustainable Iowa Land Trust” with “DMIEC” in the memo line.  Checks should be placed in the July 12th Collection Basket or mailed to: DMIEC, P.O. Box 12022, Des Moines, IA 50312.

To be included in the amount DMIEC sends to the organization First Sunday checks must be received by DMIEC by July 20th; if you elect to contribute to the First Sunday recipient after that date, please mail your check (made payable to Sustainable Iowa Land Trust with “DMIEC” in the memo line) directly to Sustainable Iowa Land Trust P.O. Box 306, West Branch, IA 52358 and, if comfortable, let DMIEC’s Social Justice Committee Chair Kathy Eastman know the amount to assist in recording our community’s giving.