migrant farm workers they bring food to our table… …but...
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Presbytery of Eastern Virginia 801 Loudoun Avenue Portsmouth, VA 23707
Phone: 757 397 7063
Fax: 757 397 7246
www.pcusa-peva.org
One-third are women and children. The ethnic background of migrant farm workers is approximately:
♦ Mexican & Mexican American 94% ♦ Central American 4% ♦ African American & Haitian 2%
In the last several years, an average of five farm worker deaths have occurred each growing season. Farm workers are paid by the piece or by minimum wage, whichever is more.
Learn more about migrant farm workers at: www.nfwm.org www.fwjustice.org www.migrantclinician.org www.ecmhsp.org www.fairfoodprogram.org www.ciw-online.org/
Who Are Migrant Farm Workers?
Every year approximately 4,000 migrant farm workers arrive in this area starting in late April and stay through November. They work long hours: 10-12 hours a day, 7 days a week throughout the growing and harvesting season. They are the backbone of our local agricultural economy. Yet they live and work here among us in poverty and isolation. Several families stay through the winter months searching for odd jobs. Churches have long had a commitment to ministry with migrant farm workers and their families - seeking to provide ministries and services that address the wide range of special needs experienced by those who are temporarily in our communities to help meet farming’s seasonal employment needs. Each church group brings particular connections, understanding, strengths and interest to migrant ministries. While each church groups is unique, all are committed to a love of neighbor that – in the spirit of Christ – welcomes the stranger and the sojourner.
There are several migrant camps and
trailer parks on Virginia’s Eastern Shore.
Migrant Farm Workers
They bring food to our table…
…but are not
invited to the feast
What Can We Do PRAY – Incorporate prayers for farmers and the earth into your daily life and remember the work of all who helped make your meals possible.DONATE –The following list of needs offers specific ways in which you can be involved. PEVA’s Hunger Action Enabler will be more than happy to arrange for pick up from your church, or you may also bring donated items to the PEVA office.Baby Kits – Six cloth diapers or size 1 disposable , two shirts, two washcloths, two gowns or sleepers, two diaper pins, one sweater or sweatshirt, two receiving blankets (one can be knitted)
Health Kits – one toothbrush, one tube of toothpaste (4-7 ounces), one hand towel, one washcloth, one comb, one nail clipper, one bar of soap (bath size, in wrapper), and six Band-aidsFood Kits – Put together a canvas grocery bag containing one of each: MASECA Cornmeal for tortillas, bags of dried beans (black or pinto only), oil for cooking, rice (enriched long grain only, and canned JalapenosClothing – Sun visors, baseball caps, 100% cotton clothing jeans, T-shirts, bandanas and socksHousehold – Linens, blankets and house hold cleaners.Monetary Gifts – Eyeglasses, shoes, over the counter medicines, grocery store gift cards, andchildren books (in English & Spanish).
* Child labor protection* Recognition by the community of the value of the
migrant farm worker to the area’s economy* Ability to rise above the poverty level* Medical insurance, reciprocity or portability of
Medicaid* Bilingual assistance for farm workers* Transportation to prenatal and WIC
appointments* Provision for religious care, formation and
worship* Adequate housing* Local “odd jobs”* Head Start programs & more daycare facilities* Assistance with medical payments* Greater access to health and community
services and nutrition classes* More English-language instruction* Expanded opportunities for skills training and
general education* Access to recreational programs and facilities
By planning and working cooperatively, we in the churches learn from each other. We see and better understand “the big picture.” We are able to complement each other’s work, and we use our limited resources more effectively – all for the benefit of the migrant community we seek to serve.
Primary needs of migrant farm workers include:
PROVIDE&VOLUNTEER – Work opportunities, “odd jobs”, transportation to prenatal and WIC clinics as well as transportation to worship etc…
Contacts Dos Santos Food Pantry – Ministry of St. James & St. George's Episcopal Churcheswww.dossantosfoodpantry.orgAngelica Garcia-Randle, Pantry [email protected]
Eastern Shore Migrant Ministry – Ministry of Catholic [email protected]
ECMHSP- Virginia Direct ServicesLisa Fernandez Family Community Partnership/ Health Specialist [email protected]
East Coast Migrant Head Start –Lynn Bowen, Head Start Administrator [email protected]
Migrant Farmworkers Ministry – Presbytery of Eastern VirginiaJessica Fitzgerald [email protected] Ext. 308
Roman Catholic Church –www.richmonddiocese.orgJustin Myers [email protected](804) 622-5222
United Methodist Church –www.easternshoredistrictumc.orgRev. Carl Perez [email protected]
Una Familia – Ministry- TutoringRev. Glenda Turlington757-787-8419