ABOUT
Illustration by Eric Velasquez
Since our founding in 1972, Eastern Farm Workers Association (EFWA) has built a membership of over 40,000 farm workers and other low-income workers throughout Suffolk County and beyond. Only through building strong organization can we gain control over our living and working conditions and reverse the policies that drive low-income workers and their families into poverty.
EFWA developed the uniquely successful method of Systemic Organizing that enables anyone who dares to care and is willing to work to build an organization that unites low-income workers with students, professionals, small business owners, the faith community and others concerned and affected by the economic problems we face.
EFWA members have built an 11-point membership benefit program of emergency food, clothing, legal advice, preventive medical care, a quarterly membership newspaper and more, to alleviate some of our most immediate hardships while developing the organizational strength to fight and end the policies that drive up living costs and drive out living wages jobs.
EFWA’s principles and programs are consistent with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Each of the eleven points of EFWA’s benefit program is consistent with one of the goals. For more information on the SDGs visit the “Let’s Go Green!” page.
Suffolk County Potatoes
Suffolk County was once famous for its potato production. Upon EFWA’s founding, many of the first farm workers signed as members worked in the potato grading “sheds,” where they graded, processed and bagged potatoes for distribution.
By the mid-1800s, Suffolk County had 5,256 farms and 97% of them grew potatoes.
By 1943, the county had 55,000 acres dedicated to growing potatoes.
As of 1999, potatoes still ranked #1 in economic value among vegetables produced in the state of New York.
In 1972, the year EFWA was founded, more than 5,000 migrant farm workers entered Suffolk County, many to work in potatoes.
Come to our office and sign up to volunteer or join as a member today!
All-volunteer. Self-help.
11-Point Membership Benefit Program
SDG 2: Zero Hunger
Emergency & Supplemental Food
Nonperishable food items are available for members upon request to aid with immediate needs members have. Members can also enroll in a year-round budget savings program, which includes weekly fresh grocery distributions.
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
Preventive Medical Care
Volunteer doctors and other medical professionals donate their services for members. Other volunteers donate transportation, lab work and fill other needs for follow-up. Volunteer medical professionals also provide group presentations on health topics of interest to the members.
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
Utility Bill Advocacy
When EFWA members’ incomes do not meet their expenses, EFWA volunteer advocates work with members to fill out applications to low-income aid programs through EFWA’s Information & Referral Benefit, apply for assistance to official agencies and organizations and work out payment plans with utility companies in order to prevent utility shutoffs.
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Legal Advice
“Know Your Law” sessions conducted by volunteer attorneys present information about legal topics of interest to low-income workers as requested by EFWA members. Legal advice is provided to a requesting member privately in Legal Advice Sessions with a volunteer attorney accompanied by a volunteer lay advocate to assist with the next steps of the attorney’s advice.
Clothing
Clothing of all sizes and seasonal needs is available at EFWA’s Benefit Office (call EFWA for hours).
Non-emergency Dental Care
Volunteer dentists see members in their offices free-of-charge to provide non-emergency preventive and corrective care.
These and other membership benefits are available through request. Call EFWA and speak to an organizer if you need help and to learn about other ways you can participate and build the benefit program. (631) 286-8004.
Illustration by Alexander Klingspor
Health Care is a Human Right
Work with EFWA to fight for access to health care for all workers through expanding EFWA’s preventive medical benefit and strengthening our ability to make long-term changes.
Suffolk Deputy County Executive Vanessa Baird-Streeter presented EFWA with a Proclamation posthumously honoring EFWA founding organizer Clifford Cody on September 22, 2022 at EFWA’s 50th anniversary celebration. To learn more about Clifford Cody and EFWA’s incredible history, press the button below.
The then-Town Supervisor Edward P. Romaine presented this certificate to EFWA on September 12, 2013. The certificate states, “Thank you for your significant contribution to the community, we extend our heartfelt thanks and appreciation on behalf of the residents of Brookhaven Town.” To learn more about EFWA’s history click the button below.
Read The Long Island Farm Worker!
EFWA publishes a printed membership newspaper, The Long Island Farm Worker, to tell the story to every EFWA member, volunteer, supporter and friend of what EFWA is doing. As EFWA grows in dimension and reaches out to more of Suffolk County and beyond, so does The Long Island Farm Worker.
Call 631-286-8004 or stop by to get the latest issue
Here until poverty isn’t!
Our carbon footprint, nearly nil.
Our organizing drive’s human impact, huge!
EFWA endorses the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development