The Equitable Food Initiative, the workforce development and certification organization that partners with growers, farmworkers, retailers and consumer groups, says it offers free and impactful tools in its communications toolkit to help the agricultural community recognize and celebrate National Farmworker Awareness Week.
Observed the last week of March annually and culminating on Cesar Chavez’s birthday (March 31), Farmworker Awareness Week honors the essential contributions of the men and women whose skill, dedication and hard work keep the food supply chain moving. From planting and harvesting to packing and shipping, farmworkers bring deep knowledge, technical expertise and pride to their jobs every day.
“Farmworker Awareness Week is an important reminder to pause and recognize the highly skilled, physically demanding work that farmworkers perform every day to bring healthy and nutritious food to our tables,” says LeAnne Ruzzamenti, EFI director of marketing and communications. “Our toolkit is designed to help companies and communities celebrate their employees and community members and to share worker stories that educate consumers about the expertise and dedication behind their food.”
EFI says its comprehensive toolkit makes it easy for companies, retailers, industry organizations, educators and community leaders to show appreciation and raise awareness.
The toolkit, which is available at equitablefood.org/toolkit, includes:
- Social media graphics, sample posts and videos to share.
- Printable posters, fact sheets and infographics for offices, stores and workplaces.
- A sample proclamation to share with local and state officials.
- A children’s coloring page.
- Ideas for hosting events or internal celebrations for the week.
EFI says all materials in the toolkit are customizable and free to download.
“We hope that this special week is just the start for our industry to shine a light on the expertise, resilience and professionalism that workers offer throughout the year,” says Alexandra Martinez, EFI senior digital marketing and sales associate, emphasizing the importance of industrywide participation. “To encourage that, EFI provides resources and reminders to highlight our essential workers with ongoing initiatives like #FarmworkerFriday and other digital toolkits.”
EFI encourages growers, retailers, brands, allied organizations and consumers to download the toolkit and incorporate its resources into newsletters, in-store promotions, team meetings, classroom activities and community events. By amplifying appreciation and awareness during Farmworker Awareness Week, the industry can collectively highlight the people whose hard work sustains our food system year-round.
