CENTER - The San Luis Valley Agriculture Coalition hosted its ninth annual Appreciation Barbecue and Resource Fair on July 20 at Casa Blanca Park in Center. 

The San Luis Valley Agricultural Coalition is a grassroots organization that is made up of community members, agencies, and advocates who work together to address the issues that affect the migrant and seasonal workers in the San Luis Valley. 

The coalition provides free food to all agricultural workers and their families to show their appreciation for the demanding work these people do, and to help these workers with resources from all over the Valley that are available to them. 

This year there was a myriad of different resources available to agricultural workers including, the Migrant Education Program, Rio Grande County Public Health, San Luis Valley Great Outdoors, Valley-Wide Health Systems, the Adelante Program, the Early Childhood Council, the San Luis Valley Local Food Coalition, San Luis Valley AHEC, and many more.  

People at the resource booths gave out pamphlets with information about their organizations. They also gave out water bottles, tote bags, free Covid Tests, snacks, clothing and even hygiene items.  

George Venzor was at the park and gave a little interview on what he thought of the event. 

Venzor stated in Spanish, “I have been a seasonal worker most of my life, from a very young age when I started working in the seed and with potatoes. I am thankful for the food I am eating here today. I am thankful that they gave food to my whole family. During the more heavy work season with planting, most Saturdays I work and Sunday is my day to rest, but I mostly get ready for a new work week on Sunday and I don’t rest. The harvest is a busy time too. I got help with some things I needed today, and I am thankful for this party in the park. Whoever put it on I want to say thank you, it helped me and my family.”  

Vice Chairman of the Board for the San Luis Valley Agricultural Coalition Carol Gurule said, “It’s so nice to see all of these people gather, and leave with their resource bags, after they have a nice meal together. Many of these workers only get one day off a week. If we can help feed them on a Sunday and show them some appreciation that’s exactly what we want to do. We want to show them that they are remembered and appreciated for their hard work in their communities, they matter. Our collation aims to improve access to services and resources for these workers, to ensure that these farm workers and their families can thrive and succeed in their everyday lives.” 

For more information on the coalition, email Gus at gus@slvahec.org or Carol at carol.gurule@colostate.edu.