September, the harbinger of autumn. September is a month of slowing down. A time for relishing the last warm days of the year before the leaves fall and the sun slips away. The stir and hum of the cicadas becomes markedly quieter, the birds begin to evacuate southward for their winter vacation, and the squirrels lick their chops in preparation for their harvest season.

Similarly to the squirrels, we have our own harvest season and September is the harbinger of the harvest, just as it is of autumn. September rings in the end of the bountiful summer spell. Nightshades and cucurbits change form. Respectively, tomatoes and peppers are traded for potatoes while cucumbers and watermelons are replaced by butternut and acorn squash. The greenery of the trees fade while the fresh greens in our farmers' fields begin to thrive. The days grow shorter but the farmers' work is not over.

Labor Day, the only holiday where millions of hard working Americans are rightfully recognized and awarded for their work and contributions, falls within September. Unfortunately, farmers and farm laborers have historically not been granted this day off. While some of us enjoy a long weekend and paid time off, the majority of the 2.5 million farmworkers in our country have just another long Monday. Another long Monday working one of the most difficult and physically demanding jobs, harvesting the late summer crops, so that we all can enjoy one last fresh, summer dish on Labor Day.

North Carolina’s farm workforce consists of approximately 150,000 people. Nationally, farmworkers are considered one of the most unfairly compensated and least protected workforces. The majority of farm laborers average less than $10,000 - 15,000 per year for their work. This average is also about 30% lower in many East Coast states, including North Carolina. Furthermore, many of these farmworkers are not granted workers compensation, insurance plans, overtime provisions, or rights to unionize and collectively bargain for higher wages.

There is an unfortunate irony in the fact that many of the folks who produce and provide sustenance for our nation struggle to provide food for themselves and their families. I ask you to use this Labor Day to adopt some mindfulness during your meal. Whether you are having a cookout, eating out, or sitting down around the table with family, take a few moments to consider and recognize the hands of the hardworking individuals who put in long hours and made sacrifices to make that meal possible. It is not some miracle that brings all of the ingredients to your grocery store, farmers market, favorite eatery, or even a roadside market, it is the perseverance and passion of farmers in this state, country, and around the world. Without them, we would all be hungry, chop-licking squirrels pining for a harvest that would never come.

The team at Feast Down East would like to take a moment to thank our customers, partners, and of course, our farmers! Truthfully, none of this would be possible without each and every one of you. Let’s close out the rest of this year with a flourish!

– Adrian Evans | Farmer Engagement Coordinator