Urgent Appeal: Hijas del Campo Aims to Support 500 Families Now

UPDATE: Hijas del Campo has launched an urgent appeal to support 500 low-income farmworker families in Contra Costa County as they prepare to distribute essential food bags over the next two months. The nonprofit organization, founded to uplift migrant families, is seeking to raise $10,000 to meet this critical need.

In a powerful statement, Mayra Jimenez Almaras, a community health worker with Hijas del Campo, shared her inspiring journey from working in the fields at just 11 years old to now preparing for graduation from Saint Mary’s College of California this December. “We are vital to the food supply, yet many of us face food insecurity ourselves,” she emphasized, urging local leaders to respect and advocate for those who feed the community.

Founded by Dorina Salgado-Moraida and Marivel Mendoza in early 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, Hijas del Campo has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of migrant and seasonal farmworkers. Their efforts include providing education, health services, and critical supplies that address the specific challenges faced by farmworkers, such as chronic diseases and unsafe living conditions.

Over the past five years, Hijas del Campo has engaged with nearly 2,000 individuals through outreach activities. The organization distributes seasonal items like hydration solutions in summer and warm clothing in winter, reinforcing their commitment to the health and well-being of farmworkers.

The organization is also actively addressing the rise of valley fever among agricultural workers, working in collaboration with Contra Costa Health Services and other health agencies. Additionally, they are empowering farmworkers with knowledge about their rights and providing resources through partnerships with immigration law groups.

In a groundbreaking initiative, Hijas del Campo began constructing four tiny homes to offer transitional housing for farmworkers living in unsafe conditions. These homes come with wraparound services, including financial literacy programs and healthcare access, aiming to foster stability and independence for residents.

Amid escalating challenges, Hijas del Campo’s mission remains clear: “We will ensure that every farmworker has access to resources and support,” stated Mendoza. As they celebrate their fifth anniversary, the urgency to act is evident.

HOW TO HELP: To support this vital cause, donations can be made at sharethespiriteastbay.org/donate or via mail. Every contribution helps provide essential resources to families who tirelessly contribute to our food systems. The goal remains to secure $10,000 to deliver 500 food bags to families in need.

This is a critical moment for the community, as Hijas del Campo continues to advocate for the rights and needs of the farmworker population. The organization’s work is not just about food security; it’s about dignity, respect, and the promise of a better future for those who nourish us all.

Stay tuned as this story develops, and consider contributing to the ongoing efforts of Hijas del Campo to uplift those who provide sustenance for our tables.