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Calexico, CA – Before the sun rises over Imperial County, hundreds of farmworkers lined up as early as 1 a.m. Thursday to be recognized for their tireless work at the 46th Annual Farmworkers Appreciation Breakfast. What started in 1979 as a modest offering of coffee and sweet bread has blossomed into a full early-morning meal of tamales, beans, rice, sweet bread, orange juice, and coffee—served as a tangible thank-you to the men and women who sustain America’s agriculture.
The event was first organized by Calexico resident Loli Torres, who persuaded her coworkers to honor farmworkers with a simple breakfast. “It’s a small token of appreciation for putting food on our tables,” Torres said. “It’s also about recognizing the collaborative effort between farmers and farmworkers that keeps our community and economy thriving.”
By 1984, the City of Calexico and the Calexico Chamber of Commerce joined the effort, transforming the breakfast into a regional tradition. Today, local agencies, volunteers, and community leaders come together to serve hundreds of meals and express gratitude to the workforce that feeds not only Imperial Valley but much of the nation.
California State Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez, California Labor Secretary Stewart Knox, Imperial County Supervisor Jesus Eduardo Escobar, Calexico City Manager Benjamin Martinez, Calexico Police Chief Armando Orozco, and former Calexico Mayor Camilo Garcia were among the dignitaries present, all acknowledging the indispensable role of farmworkers.
The Backbone of American Agriculture
Farmworkers are the often-unseen backbone of U.S. agriculture. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the United States employs approximately 2.5 million farmworkers, the majority of whom are Latino, many undocumented, and a large portion working seasonally. These workers perform the grueling labor of planting, cultivating, harvesting, and packing fruits, vegetables, and other crops that reach dinner tables across the nation.
In California alone, home to the nation’s largest agricultural output, farmworkers produce over $50 billion worth of crops annually. Yet, despite their central role in sustaining the food supply, farmworkers face low wages, limited access to healthcare, and challenging working conditions. Many labor under the sun for up to 12 hours a day, handling delicate crops with precision to avoid damage, all while enduring extreme heat, physical strain, and exposure to pesticides.
“Farmworkers’ efforts represent the foundation of American food security,” said Labor Secretary Stewart Knox. “Their dedication ensures families nationwide have access to fresh, nutritious food. Honoring them is not just a tradition; it’s a necessity.”
A Tradition of Community Appreciation
Events like Calexico’s annual breakfast play a crucial role in recognizing farmworkers’ contributions and advocating for their well-being. “It’s about more than just a meal,” said Torres. “It’s about showing respect, gratitude, and acknowledging the value of these workers to the community and the economy.”
Volunteers at the breakfast work alongside organizers to serve meals, and local businesses donate supplies, demonstrating a community-wide commitment to farmworkers’ welfare. The early-morning tradition also highlights the collaborative spirit between farmers, policymakers, and residents in supporting a workforce that too often goes unrecognized.
Why Recognition Matters
Supporting farmworkers is not only an ethical imperative but an economic one. Studies show that fair wages, safe working conditions, and access to healthcare for farmworkers lead to increased productivity, reduced turnover, and a more stable food supply chain. Moreover, public recognition—through events like the Calexico breakfast—helps raise awareness of the essential role these workers play in sustaining America’s agricultural industry.
As farmworkers departed with full plates and the gratitude of their community, the message was clear: the labor of these men and women is indispensable, their sacrifices deserve acknowledgment, and their contributions should inspire both respect and support nationwide.
The 46th Annual Farmworkers Appreciation Breakfast in Calexico is more than a local tradition—it is a celebration of the workforce that quietly fuels America’s tables, economy, and communities.
