One Year of Relief Payment Distributions
Washington DC – Over the past year, the National Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Association (NMSHSA) has been responsible for overseeing a portion of the Farm and Food Workers Relief (FFWR) grant program. Because of their diligent work, more than 55,000 farmworkers who worked in agriculture during the COVID-19 pandemic have received one-time payments of $600.
“We are fortunate to be able to serve farmworkers across the country, who were deemed essential during the pandemic, and to have a fantastic team at NMSHSA, great MSHS Grantee partners, skillful data partners at NORC, and other organizations in the field,” says Tadeo Saenz-Thompson, Project Manager of NMSHSA’s FFWR Team.
As anticipated, this initiative has reached many eligible farmworkers and emphasized what the NMSHSA has always known—there is an overwhelming number of farmworkers in need who committed to ensuring Americans had a safe and secure food source during the COVID-19 pandemic. The way the NMSHSA sees it, the FFWR Grant Program is only a small token of appreciation.
“Despite some minor setbacks and challenges, by all accounts, including feedback from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and beneficiaries, together we have done an excellent job with the mission this year,” says Saenz-Thompson.
Throughout the year, the NMSHSA has seen beneficiaries put their $600 payment towards buying groceries, paying rent, buying school supplies, and paying for medical bills among other necessities. Seeing the impact $600 makes on a family is what drives the NMSHSA and partners to continue reaching as many qualifying individuals as possible.
For more information, farmworkers anticipating relief payments are encouraged to contact the official NMSHSA FFWR email. To stay up to date with NMSHSA and the Farm and Food Workers Relief Grant Program, please visit our website or connect with us on social media.
In union with farmworker families, the National Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Association advocates for comprehensive, high-quality Head Start services with diverse stakeholders, paving the path for stronger communities and the lifelong success of children and families.
Contact: Tadeo Saenz, Project Manager | FFWRINFO@nmshsa.org