Labor of Love shares positive message on 50 farm buses

The Labor of Love program has continued its efforts to show appreciation to Yuma area farmworkers in unique ways. The program has always included surprise “random acts of kindness,” meals and gifts. But now the program also includes a special message for farmworkers on more than 50 labor buses.

The message on the buses says “Wave if you love veggies — ThankAFarmWorker.com.” The signs are being sponsored by Yuma-based Bill Alexander Ford. Owner Ryan Hancock has supported the Labor of Love program since its inception and has provided many gifts to the program including a car (won by a long-time Dole employee), hundreds of farm boots to laborers and now these upbeat messages on buses.

“We feel that these signs enhance the program’s objectives to offer thanks to farmworkers. We love the idea that the entire community can be a part of thanking them for their efforts with a simple wave,” Hancock said.

“We hope it will mean a lot to those on the buses and for them to realize there is a deep appreciation of their hard work and contribution to the agriculture industry. The industry sustains this community and helps sustain our business. It’s our way of giving back,” he added.

The Labor of Love program will be winding up soon and heading to the Salinas, Calif., area to continue the outreach to farmworkers. Many of the buses will transition to that area including those with the new signs.

The program started in November 2015 in Yuma. It moved to the Salinas region during the summer months and to date has reached thousands of farmworkers in Yuma, Salinas, Coachella and the Imperial Valley.

The program was created by the Yuma Fresh Vegetable Association as an opportunity to thank farmworkers for their service to the agriculture industry and share their talents, loyalty and incredible work ethic through social media and its website www.laborofloveyuma.com.