Category: Agricultural Programming
Program: Farmworker Heroes
Farmworkers are the backbone of our food supply chain, as they are responsible for planting, raising, harvesting, and packing our fruits and vegetables and the production of dairy and meat – meaning all the food you eat daily is connected to a farmworker! When the C0VID-19 pandemic paused our lives in 2020, we saw firsthand how farmworkers kept our grocery stores stocked with the help of others in the food supply chain. The San Mateo County Fair staff wanted to let farmworkers know that their hard work is seen and appreciated. "Farmworker Heroes Appreciation Day" was created. It included a Farmworkers Heroes Exhibit, (open every day of the Fair).The gallery showcased portraits and stories of current farmworkers working in the fields. It aimed to educate and honor current farmworkers who still face challenging job conditions. Another section of the gallery was dedicated to the history of previous efforts by labor leaders who fought for better working conditions. An interactive mural project honoring Filipino farm workers was created during the Fair. Kids of all ages were encouraged to assist artist Carlos Gonzalez to paint the mural. There was also a special screening of the film about Cesar Chavez, live musical performances and special ceremonies honoring local farmworkers.
The Farmworker Heroes Exhibit was created in collaboration with the Cesar Chavez Foundation and ALAS (Ayudando Latinos A Solar).
Result – The multi-faceted Farmworkers Appreciation Day programming was a great agricultural educational experience for San Mateo County fairgoers and a tremendous way to honor the farmworker community.