In the Niagara region, as with other farming communities, we focus heavily on celebrating the fruits of labour rather than the labourers. There are festivals for strawberries, peaches, cherries, apples, and just about every other fruit, but where are the farm worker celebrations? This lack of recognition for agricultural workers is just another example of how much we're disconnected from our food sources.

GROW Niagara wants to see this connection restored and invites all to participate in the first Migrant Worker Week from May 1-8. The purpose of this week is to raise awareness about migrant farm workers and show appreciation for all they contribute to our communities. If it weren't for them, we wouldn't even have peaches or strawberries or any other fruit to celebrate!

There are a couple of events planned for this upcoming Migrant Worker Week, but more importantly we want to encourage people to encounter workers on a smaller and more personal level. We want to see conversations started and friendships created.

For example, workers are out shopping for groceries (Food Basics & No Frills in St. Catharines and Valumart in NOTL) and in the banks on Thursdays and Fridays. Instead of rushing in and out, take some time to stop and talk with them. Ask about their families and where they're from.

If you live in a rural area and know of workers living nearby, invite a couple over for dinner or just a cool drink after work. Get to know some people and you'll start to wonder why you didn't do this earlier.

Actions like these may be small, but they can make a world of positive difference. Respect starts with you.

That being said, here are a few local events happening during Migrant Worker Week if you're interested in learning more about them and how much they give to our community:

May --> Throughout the month of May, portraits of workers taken by a number of professional photographers will be shown at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Public Library (10 Anderson Lane).

Friday, May 1 at 9pm --> As part of the Niagara Artists' Centre's celebration of International Workers' Day, we'll be screening the amazing documentary Life and Debt about the economic situation in Jamaica. NAC is located at 354 St. Paul Street in St. Catharines.

Sunday, May 3 at 7:30pm --> This event marks the third year that CWOP has organized an appreciation service for the Caribbean men and women who come up to work on the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program. It has been gaining momentum and this year we expect over 200 workers to attend, in addition to local members of the community and politicians.

It promises to be a joyful night of celebration as we welcome back these wonderful people to our community, featuring lively Jamaican music and special musical guests Juno-nominated Newworldson. Refreshments to follow.

All are welcome to participate in these festivities, so join us and find out what you've been missing! Bethany Mennonite Church is at 572 East & West Line in Niagara-on-the-Lake.