May 1st, International Workers’ Day, is a day to remember the many contributions of everyday citizens globally who, through their labor, make society better for everyone. 

Each day, we are all reminded of all the many ways the labor of others impacts every aspect of our everyday lives. The construction and functioning of the buildings we live and work in, the roads to drive on, and the stoves and kitchens we use to prepare food are all examples of how the labor of countless people from around the world repeatedly enriches and enhances our lives! 

Given how important labor has been in creating a better world for all of us, shouldn’t we all want to honor laborers globally by ensuring each individual is paid a living wage? 

And when a laborer who toils in the field or works in a factory or on a construction site makes the enormous sacrifice to leave their loved ones in another country to work here in the US, shouldn’t we honor and respect this sacrifice by showing immigrants gratitude and appreciation for their work? 

We tend to focus on and take pride in the “outputs”of labor. We marvel at the buildings, statues, bridges, and other physical illustrations of the work done by others. However, the men and women who bless us with the results of their work are often invisible to us. When we do think of workers, it is often in ways that are demeaning, dismissive, and degrading. 

We demonize immigrants, yet demand fresh produce at a low price.

We demonize immigrants, yet expect to be served and well fed when we dine out.

We demonize immigrants, yet we want someone to mow our lawns, wash our cars, and sweep our floors.  

Food First stands in solidarity with workers and grassroots movements across the globe who are fighting for dignity, equity, and economic opportunity. On behalf of workers in the US and globally we advocate for structural changes that uplift low-income communities, through efforts like increasing the minimum wage, expanding labor protections, and ensuring access to social safety nets. 

This International Workers Day, let us celebrate everyone whose labor helps to enrich our lives. But let’s do more, let’s honor workers 365 days of the year by ensuring they are paid living wages, have access to health care, and other wellness benefits. Let’s pledge to stop discriminating against immigrants and suggesting they are criminals.

Let’s all make May 1st,  International Workers Day 2025, the first day in our pledge to show gratitude daily to all who labor to make this world better for all of us! Let’s stand with workers on this day and support working people by committing to eradicating poverty and ensuring everyone has access to basic necessities like food, shelter, and healthcare!