The Humans Who Feed Us

Thousands of individuals work across the food supply chain ranging from agricultural workers, restaurant workers, grocery store employees, truck drivers, meat and poultry workers, and so many others. Immigrant community members are among those who help to feed us through their work. Many of these workers are often invisible to people and the communities where they work and live even though they touch our lives every day through their life-sustaining labor. 

Mónica Ramírez, Founder & President of Justice for Migrant Women, created a narrative and portrait project called, "The Humans Who Feed Us," in conjunction with her fellowship with the Butterfly Lab for Immigrant Narrative Strategy (an initiative established by Race Forward). The project humanizes workers across the food supply chain; shows the interdependence among businesses, the workers they employ and consumers; and fosters a sense of belonging for these incredible community members in the places where they live and work.

Even though the food justice movement continues to grow in size and scale, the workers who support this food system through their various roles are often missing from the conversation. “The Humans Who Feed Us” seeks to center these workers, their stories, their contributions, and their priorities. 

The first phase launched in August 2021 at the Sandusky County, Ohio, fair with a focus on farmworkers in Northwest Ohio. There are approximately 30,000 farmworkers in the state of Ohio where agriculture is the number one industry in the state and contributes approximately 9 billion dollars to the state’s economy.

Celebrity chef, author, entrepreneur, and TV personality Ingrid Hoffmann is supporting Justice for Migrant Women to help scale the project nationally.

In its second phase, the project is focused on “Celebrating The Humans Who Feed Us” as we enter the season of big meals and celebrations in the United States, and it will continue throughout the year. The project highlights immigrant community members who are employed all across the food supply chain. Together, each of these individuals plays a role to ensure that we each have the food to sustain ourselves and to celebrate special moments. As millions of families and friends prepare to gather with their loved ones for the holidays, we honor the workers who bring food to our tables. 

Essential workers, including farmworkers, provide life sustaining work through their labor. Protecting essential workers, and treating them with dignity and respect, is critical.

Workers in the food supply chain are among the 5 million undocumented essential workers in the United States who have always done essential work, yet continue to be denied basic rights and protections. 

As we celebrate their contributions to our community, we must also take action. We need protections for all essential workers. Send a letter to your Members of Congress asking them to provide a pathway to citizenship for immigrant essential workers, Dreamers and TPS-holders.