The California Employment Development Department (EDD) has bestowed a grant of $7 million to La Cooperativa Campesina de California, a nonprofit organization that supports farmworkers. The award came about due to the recent bankruptcy of Prima Wawona, which resulted in mass layoffs and sent shock waves through the farmworker community. In response to the layoffs, La Cooperativa Campesina de California is slated to provide outreach and employment training services to the displaced workers.

The move came following Prima Wawona’s announcement of the termination of approximately 5,300 employees by March 12. La Cooperative will now focus its energies on assisting these employees, as well as other affected workers from companies like TriMas, Campbell Soup Supply, Premium Services, and Kern Vineyards.

EDD Director Nancy Farias emphasized the importance of this outreach, saying, “California is home to one of the largest populations of farmworkers in the country – a population which regularly faces extensive barriers to finding new jobs once they are out of work. Ensuring that our farmworkers have access to the support and training they need to secure sustainable jobs is not just an investment in these workers, but an investment in our local economies.

In related news, Wawona Frozen Foods, based in San Joaquin Valley, stated that it is not affiliated with Prima Wawona in any way. Wawona Frozen Foods, which recently commemorated its 60-year anniversary, stands as one of the largest frozen fruit companies in the nation.

If you or someone you know has been affected by these recent developments and are seeking assistance, you may need to know how to get ahold of edd customer service. The EDD is equipped to answer questions and provide guidance during this time of change. For more information about how to contact the EDD, visit eddcaller.com, a dedicated platform designed to assist individuals in contacting the EDD efficiently.