UFW Foundation gives back to farm workers facing food shortages

SALINAS, Calif. (KION)

The United Farm Workers Foundation will hold a food distribution today around 3 p.m. for local farm workers who are struggling with food shortages.

These efforts have been ongoing for months with boxes of free food and prepped meals handed out to struggling farm workers.

A worker for the UFW Foundations says food shortages were brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

One of they biggest resources is the Monterey County Food Bank, which he says is now experiencing food shortages as well.

UFW Emergency Relief Program Director, Robert Perez, says most of the farm workers are undocumented Latinos who did not receive government financial aid like others at the start of the pandemic.

"Their sons and daughters are in the US Army, fighting for freedom, fighting for the economy," says Perez.

"They are the backbone of America and yet America turned their back."

Perez says the local struggling farm worker communities are also experiencing other issues including price gouging.

"There was price gouging on day care for the farm workers so, they're getting hit from all over the place."

Perez says the UFW Foundation is trying to spread awareness of the impact to the struggling farm workers and encourages everyone to support their local food banks.

Food distributions are held weekly in different areas.

To volunteer or find out about other food distributions on the Central Coast, visit www.ufwfoundation.org