Our dedicated team of worker organizers, led by Manuel Guzman, Edgar Aquino, and Joseline Rodriguez, is making a powerful impact on the lives of farmworkers in New Jersey. 

This year we have provided comprehensive health and safety training to Salem and Gloucester counties farmworkers. These interactive sessions at on-farm labor camps address critical topics like pesticide exposure, heatstroke prevention, HIV/AIDS awareness, paid sick leave, and workers' rights. By fostering open dialogue, we empower farmworkers to voice their concerns and find solutions.

In addition, we have assisted around 51 individuals in applying for Farmworker Relief assistance. These programs offer crucial support to farmworkers facing daily challenges. By connecting them with resources, we help alleviate their burdens.

Our workshops have reached approximately 133 farmworkers this year, creating a bond of trust and providing information on available programs and resources. 

Over six weeks, from April 4 to May 11, we successfully trained the first Workers Rights Ambassadors Program cohort, with active participation from 17 individuals across the state, predominantly from South Jersey.

Throughout the program, our participants delved deep into various labor rights topics, including health and safety regulations, wage laws, the right to organize, and more. In addition, we were fortunate to have insightful guest speakers, including representatives from our local OSHA office, the New Jersey Department of Labor (NJ DOL), and a special guest from the Mondi Workers' Organizing campaign.

The knowledge gained by our Workers Rights Ambassadors is now being channeled into planning how they can effectively share this information within their respective communities. We firmly believe in the power of building a network of community leaders who can address and respond to labor abuses. As a result, we have plans to repeat this program in the future, fostering a robust support system for workers' rights.

We are thrilled to introduce you to our 2023 cohort of Youth Food Justice Interns. These bright and passionate students have embarked on an empowering journey of learning, growth, and community impact through our Food Justice Program.

Our 2023 Youth Food Justice Intern cohort is a diverse and talented group comprising youth who identify as Latinx and bring a range of experiences, including prior farming and gardening knowledge. Their collective passion for growing food and positively impacting the community shines through every action they take during their time with us.

Throughout this intensive 18-week program, participants have learned the rich history of C.A.T.A and farmworker movements, delving deep into the issues of oppressive power dynamics in their own lives, immigration in the U.S., and the transformative power of storytelling. By nurturing various plants, including tomatoes, hot peppers, cucumbers, onions, and herbs, our interns have come to appreciate the vitality of plants as living beings that require a solid foundation to thrive.