$331,000 federal grant to help Maui’s low income farm workers

Maui has been awarded a labor grant to help low-income farm workers.  The $331,137 grant from the U.S. Department of Labor is being overseen by Maui Economic Opportunity.  Anyone who has been employed as an agricultural worker over the past two years is encouraged to apply for assistance.  Fundign will go toward job training, educational costs, housing assistance, and in some cases, childcare. 

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Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono made the announcement yesterday explaining that the grant was awarded through the National Farmworker Jobs Program (NFJP).  The NFJP is a nationally-directed program of job training and employment assistance for migrant and seasonal farm workers that helps these workers acquire new job skills in occupations that offer higher wages and more stable employment, or upgrades their existing agricultural job skills.  Family members of eligible farm workers may also be eligible for this assistance.

Through the years, the NFJP in Hawaii has assisted macadamia nut pickers, coffee growers, pineapple harvesters and flower nursery workers, along with their families. 

Anyone who believes they may be eligible to participate in this farm worker jobs program is urged to call MEO at 249-2970 on Maui.  The statewide toll free number is 1-877-795-4354. 

In all, the U.S. Department of Labor announced the awarding of $78,410,000 for 2010 National Farm worker Jobs Program grants, nationwide.