There’s a say among farmworkers: “Today is good. Tomorrow? Who knows?”

That could be why so many people turned out to the 2024 Farmworker Resource Fair, said Rodrigo Lopez, agricultural labor coordinator for the Health and Human Services Agency, as he watched students and farmworkers get information about jobs and services.

Held at Woodland Community College, this second Resource Fair was designed to “help people make connections.”

“We changed the time of the fair to the late afternoon so people could come after working,” said Lopez, who also provided the statement about farmworkers. “Some of these people are coming directly from the fields.”

Lopez has said that farmworkers — due to the nature of the jobs they hold — often do only temporary work and then are forced to seek unemployment benefits during the off-season, which occurs from October to March.

However, many farmworkers, including those who are undocumented, don’t meet eligibility requirements for getting state or federal benefits, whether it’s dental or healthcare coverage, or food.

The Resource Fair is meant to change that by providing information on where laborers can go when needed.

This was the second time the Yolo County Health and Human Services Agency, YoloWorks!, and the Yolo County Workforce Innovation Board have held the fair at the college.

Some 40 organizations signed up to “table” at the event, and Lopez expected about 37 would turn out. He said more than 100 people also signed up to attend, but as more and more farmworkers and students entered the Community Room at the college, it was apparent that estimate was low.

Attendees had access to resources including counseling, health and medical care, legal support, safety and housing, child and family services, youth development, labor rights, employment opportunities, vocational training, and public benefits.

The Yolo Food Bank — which recently formed a partnership with the college to distribute food on a weekly basis — was also on hand to talk about the programs it offers as well as provide food boxes to anyone in need.

Indeed, representatives of the Food Bank and other groups present were swamped with questions about programs and offerings.

And while there was the expected “swag” available such as water bottles, pens, pencils, fans, decals and even squeezable heads of “broccoli” (designed to reduce stress), most attendees were retrieving brochures or signing up to receive services or learn more about programs.

That, Lopez noted, was what he wanted to see: People not simply living for today, but planning for what may — and very likely — would come tomorrow.

Previously, Yolo County Board of Supervisors Chairman Lucas Frerichs stated that it was good to see the range of services being offered in the county.

“Farmworkers are the backbone of our agricultural sector, and it is our responsibility to ensure they have access to the resources and support they need,” he said. “This fair unites a range of services designed to support these essential workers and their families, underscoring our commitment to their well-being and our community’s dedication to supporting those who play an indispensable role in our local and global food systems.”

The county is home to more than 6,000 farmworkers who play a role in both the local economy and the global food supply.

According to the just-released Yolo County Crop Report, agricultural production for 2023 alone generated $901.86 million for the economy.

“Supporting our farmworkers is not just a matter of appreciation but of responsibility,” said 5th District Supervisor Angel Barajas, who attended the 2022 event. “This resource fair is a crucial step in ensuring that those who contribute so much to our community receive the resources and support they need.”

The Daily Democrat contributed to this story.