Emergency Fund for Eastern Shore Migrant Workers

The Agricultural Workers Advocacy Coalition on the Eastern Shore is raising funds to support temporary farm workers' loss of wages due to illness or retaliation if they complain about working conditions.

Each year about 1500 seasonal workers come to Accomack and Northampton Counties to plant, harvest, and pack fruits and vegetables. Their work ensures that this local produce reaches our stores and tables. They stay six weeks to ten months and contribute $10 million to our local economy. They are also subject to payroll taxes. And yet, despite the occasional trip they are allowed to make to buy supplies at Walmart or Food Lion, they are hidden in plain sight. These workers live off Route 13 in barracks-style housing with no AC and few comforts, with no access to public transportation or reliable cell service to connect with the outside world. They are essential workers even though they are rarely treated that way.

Our mission is to serve as advocates for these workers. Our partners are Virginia Organizing, the Episcopal Church, Dos Santos Food Pantry and thrift store, and the workers themselves. Dos Santos, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, will administer the funds.