WASHINGTON, March 20, 2024 – Equitable Food Initiative BB #:385632, the capacity-building and certification organization that partners with growers, farmworkers, retailers and consumer groups, has released an updated communications toolkit in preparation for Farmworker Awareness Week, which is held March 25-31 annually.
In the spirit of the weeklong celebration of the hands that put food on our tables, EFI encourages everyone in the agricultural supply chain, government entities and consumers to stand in support and appreciation of one of our country’s most essential resources, our 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.
This year, the toolkit has been further 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 encourages individuals and organizations working in agriculture to utilize 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.
LeAnne Ruzzamenti, EFI’s director of marketing communications shared, “We are excited to share the newest updates to our toolkit. 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, we can collectively work towards building greater awareness of the work and individuals behind our food.
Ruzzamenti adds: “With this toolkit, anyone can show their appreciation for the skilled and difficult work performed by farmworkers. 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 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. To learn more about becoming EFI certified, or to promote EFI-certified produce, visit equitablefood.org.
About EFI
Equitable Food Initiative is a capacity-building and certification nonprofit that works to improve the lives of farmworkers and drive business performance by integrating worker voice and engagement throughout the supply chain. As a multistakeholder organization, EFI brings together growers, farmworkers, retailers and consumers to create assessment, training and organizational development programs that support continuous improvement and address the industry’s most pressing problems. For more information about Equitable Food Initiative, visit equitablefood.org.
Contact: LeAnne R. Ruzzamenti, (202) 524-0540, media@equitablefood.org
