EFI celebrates National Farmworker Awareness Week

Equitable Food Initiative has released an updated communications toolkit in preparation for Farmworker Awareness Week, held March 25-31 annually.

EFI is the capacity-building and certification organization that partners with growers, farmworkers, retailers and consumer groups.

In the spirit of the weeklong celebration of the hands that put food on consumers' tables, EFI said it encourages those in the agricultural supply chain, government entities and consumers to stand in support and appreciation of farmworkers.

The revamped communications toolkit is designed to amplify the voices and stories of farmworkers across the Americas while offering an array of resources for anyone dedicated to highlighting the contributions of farmworkers every day, according to a news release.

The toolkit has been expanded to include even more comprehensive features, including:

• Educational resources and activities for students.
• Statistics-forward infographics.
• Sample logos, images and posters for social media and around the office.
• Example proclamations, press release templates and more.

The Farmworker Awareness Week communications toolkit and all associated resources are available for free download at equitablefood.org/toolkit.

EFI said it encourages individuals and organizations working in agriculture to use the toolkit and highlight the important work performed by the millions of workers on farms and ranches who help add $165 billion each year to the gross domestic product.

“We are excited to share the newest updates to our toolkit,” LeAnne Ruzzamenti, EFI’s director of marketing communications, said in the release. “Farmworkers are an indispensable asset, and we want them to know we appreciate their efforts. EFI also wants to educate our communities and government on the importance of farmworkers and the need to invest in developing and recognizing their skills.”

By leveraging the power of storytelling and media outreach, the industry can collectively work towards building greater awareness of the work and individuals behind the food supply, the release said.

“With this toolkit, anyone can show their appreciation for the skilled and difficult work performed by farmworkers,” Ruzzamenti said. “It also gives the industry an opportunity to educate consumers about the 365 days of care required to keep fresh food on our tables.”

EFI says it has helped form and train worker-manager collaborative teams for 33 grower-shipper companies on more than 80 farming operations. Through the EFI certification program, more than 4,000 farmworkers and managers have been trained in problem-solving, communication and conflict-resolution strategies, helping to improve labor and safety for more than 55,000 workers, according to the release. To learn more about becoming EFI certified, or to promote EFI-certified produce, visit equitablefood.org.