Community organizations in Arcadia came together to recognize the contributions of migrant farmworkers with an appreciation dinner and donations of essential supplies.
The fourth annual Migrant Farmworkers Appreciation event was held Aug. 23 at the Arcadia Community Center. The event was organized by the Arcadia Lions Club, Arcadia Community Center and Trinity Lutheran Church.
Migrant farmworkers play an important role in agriculture across Benzie and Manistee counties, where more than 500 workers are employed on farms each year. Many of them are young men working in the region through H-2A agricultural visas and remain in the area from spring through fall.
Ahead of the dinner, organizers partnered with the Migrant Affairs office to identify six migrant worker camps that would benefit from community assistance. Approximately 150 workers living in the camps received donations that included new household supplies, clothing and personal hygiene products.
Community members contributed both goods and money toward the initiative. Organizers also collected more than 50 items through an Amazon Wishlist, helping volunteers assemble packages tailored to the needs of the workers.
During the week of Aug. 17, volunteers sorted the donations and packed them into large bags and backpacks before delivering the supplies directly to the six camps.
The workers were also invited to the Aug. 23 appreciation dinner, which attracted more than 110 guests. The gathering gave migrant farmworkers and local residents an opportunity to share a meal, meet one another and strengthen ties within the community.
Representatives from local agencies that provide assistance and services to migrant workers and their families also attended the event.
Organizers said the strong community response demonstrated the impact of collective action and highlighted the importance of recognizing the people who help sustain the region’s agricultural industry.
From collecting supplies and preparing donation packages to delivering them to migrant camps and hosting the dinner, volunteers and community members contributed time and resources to show appreciation for the farmworkers’ efforts.
The annual gathering has become an opportunity for Arcadia residents to acknowledge the work migrant farmworkers perform throughout the agricultural season while creating stronger connections between workers and the wider community.