Welcoming Workers during the 2023 Wild Blueberry Harvest
This summer our Access to Essential Services team welcomed workers and their families arriving to Downeast Maine for the 2023 wild blueberry harvest.
It is estimated that 1,500-3,000 migrant farm workers and their families arrive to Downeast Maine each year to partake in the harvest. Mano en Manos works hard to help to fill the gaps in support that many migrant workers face when they arrive in Maine by providing access to essential services and resources such as food, clothing and transportation, and welcoming new and returning faces to our community.
In total our team organized 3 site based and 20 mobile Welcome and Resource Centers throughout Washington, Hancock and Aroostook counties. At the fairs folks are welcomed with a hot meal, music, and are invited to visit the food pantry, take home clothing and connect with partner organizations in the areas of health, education, legal aid, and other social services.
This summer our team distributed more than 58,000 pounds of food to over 2,600 people at 20 different locations throughout Washington Hancock and Aroostook counties during the months of July and August. More than 1200 people received a hot meal while attending one of three onsite Welcome and Resource Fairs.
We want workers and their families to know that Washington County and Maine values their presence and looks forward to their return every year. This work is not charity, rather we are filling a gap that we see people have before their first paycheck. These resources and services are owed to the people that come to work here. If they were paid a living wage or did not face barriers such as structural racism when accessing resources, for example, there would be no need for these centers.
Our team and valued partners work hard to make our Welcome and Resource Centers a welcoming space for individuals and families, and celebrate all that they bring and offer. We are so grateful for all of the seasonal workers that support our community and put food on the tables of families across the country!
We heard from folks this summer:
“Después de un día largo en el campo, se siente rico sentirse a comer una cena rica y compartir con ustedes. Gracias por el apoyo.
After a long day in the barrens it feels good to sit and eat a good meal and share time with everyone. Thank you for the support.
The price of food is so high! The food pantry is so helpful- especially the fresh vegetables and fruits!
and
Espero que todos puedan venir para visitar a ustedes en este centro!
I hope that everyone can come and visit you all at the center!
