In August, two cleaning workers from Airbnb properties in Philadelphia approached us. The company owed them and some relatives over $9,000 in unpaid wages, and their supervisor had fired them.

After talking with the workers, we reached out to the company's owner to talk about the unpaid wages and issues with the supervisor. At first, the owner seemed open to discussing it and working with us - but we soon realized he did not want to take responsibility for fixing the problem!

After several more unsuccessful attempts to communicate with the owner and other company leaders, we were surprised when, one day, the supervisor showed up at CATA's office with almost $7,000 in cash, wanting to resolve the situation.

Although it was not the full amount owed to the workers, the workers decided to accept it rather than spend more time trying to get the company to pay up. We count this as a victory for the workers and are glad we could help them!

As climate change intensifies heat waves, New Jersey's migrant farmworkers face escalating health hazards like exhaustion, stroke, and dehydration.

Already laboring long hours in grueling conditions, farmworkers have little respite from the heat. Insufficient breaks, water access, and shade on the job compound the risks.

Sweltering lodgings without cooling provide no relief after work. Lost harvests from extreme weather also impact farmworker livelihoods. Many growers still prioritize profits over worker welfare.

To truly safeguard this vulnerable workforce, we need stepped-up government oversight and enforcement of labor protections, as well as industry-wide commitment to safety.

Farmworkers nourish our communities through back-breaking work and deserve protection. With smart planning and compassionate leadership, we can enable agriculture to thrive alongside the essential workers who sustain it.

Discover how climate change endangers New Jersey farmworkers in this illuminating article from Michael Sol Warren and Karen Yi of WNYC/Gothamist. Their timely reporting is just the first in a vital series investigating the impacts of rising heat on the state's agriculture industry.

CATA's Food Justice youth internship program held its 2023 closing ceremony, celebrating the interns' hard work and growth over the past year.

The interns shared food, guided garden tours, received graduation certificates, and expressed how the program profoundly transformed them.

Through the program, the interns became agents of change, gaining practical skills and a deeper understanding of food systems and justice.

Their passion for using food as nourishment and healing was inspiring. As the ceremony ended, it was clear this was just the beginning - the interns are now equipped to create positive change with the seeds of transformation planted within them.

CATA is grateful for their dedication and hopes they continue engaging in food justice work in the future.

🎉 Special Invitation for Our Subscribers 🎉

🗓️ Save the Date! Join us for our Day of the Dead celebration on October 21st in the afternoon at our community garden in Bridgeton, NJ. 📍 Location: 80 Church St, Bridgeton, NJ.

💀 What to Expect?

• Community Altar: Bring photos and mementos to collectively decorate the altar and honor our loved ones.
• Skull Painting: Express yourself and have fun painting traditional skulls.
• Potluck Style Feast: Bring your favorite dish to share and savor the delightful contributions from our community.

Why is it important to attend? The Day of the Dead is a deeply rooted tradition in many of our migrant communities. Attending this event is not only a way to honor those we've lost but also a unique opportunity to learn how different cultures approach death and find solace together in times of grief.

More details coming soon. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated!