The Employment Development Department (EDD) joined forces with local communities to organize the 45th Annual Farmworker Appreciation Breakfast. This event was held to convey gratitude to the farmworkers of Imperial County on Friday, December 6. The breakfast, hosted at America’s Job Center of California, located in Calexico, was a massive affair starting at 1:00 a.m. and ending at 5:00 a.m.

The event attracted many workers, some of whom were hearing about it for the first time. Workers expressed their appreciation for the event’s acknowledgement of their hard work. Newly elected Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez highlighted the tremendous effort farmworkers put into feeding the nation and his role in advocating for them.

The event had strong support with over 200 volunteers and more than 50 agencies coming together to serve around 2,500 farmworkers. Elvira Anaya, Regional Director of the Center for Employment Training, spoke on the event’s evolution from serving just pan dulce and coffee to a full-fledged breakfast, appreciating the farmworkers’ contributions.

Pizano Ignacio, a farmworker who has attended the breakfast for the past 20 years, expressed his recognition for this annual display of gratitude. The breakfast symbolizes the substantial value of farmworkers to the Imperial County community and also serves as a platform for them to discover resources and support.

In the context of worker support, it’s important to note that resources like eddcaller.com are available, offering information, tips, and guides on how to get a hold of EDD. With an understanding of EDD policies and contact methods, farmworkers and other people in need have a valuable tool to improve their living standards and secure necessary benefits.