GRATEFUL FOR THOSE WHO MAKE OUR FOOD
As dietitians, we spend a lot of time talking about what to eat — but it’s just as important to pause and appreciate where our food comes from and who makes it possible.
In 2022, the agriculture and food sectors in the U.S. supported approximately 22.1 million full- and part-time jobs, accounting for about 10.4% of total U.S. employment.
This season, we’re taking a moment to say thank you to the farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers who grow, raise, and harvest the foods that nourish us every day. From the vegetables on our plates to the protein on our grills, every meal starts with their hard work, dedication, and care for the land.
Behind every bite is a network of people who wake up early, face unpredictable weather, and pour their energy into ensuring that communities everywhere have access to safe, nutritious food. Their work is the foundation of our health and our food system.
How You Can Support the People Who Feed Us
As we recognize the tremendous effort that farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers put into producing our food, this season is a meaningful time to give back. Here are a few ways to support the hands behind your meals:
🛒 Choose Local When You Can
Shopping at farmers’ markets, local co-ops, or community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs helps support smaller producers directly. Even swapping just one grocery item — like eggs, produce, or honey — for a locally sourced option can make a difference.
💬 Learn and Share Their Stories
Agriculture isn’t just an industry — it’s a livelihood and a heritage. Following local farms or ranchers on social media, sharing their content, or simply learning more about the food system helps elevate their work and increases awareness.
🍽️ Reduce Food Waste
Honoring food also honors the labor behind it. Planning meals, storing food properly, and finding creative ways to use leftovers all help ensure the effort that went into growing and producing food isn’t wasted.
❤️ Advocate and Appreciate
A simple “thank you” goes further than many realize—especially for those whose work happens behind the scenes. Consider sending a note to a local farm, buying from businesses that prioritize ethical labor practices, or supporting legislation that protects agricultural workers.
🌱 Support Sustainable Agriculture
Making choices that align with environmental stewardship — whether that means regenerative agriculture products, shade-grown coffee, humane-certified meat, or organic produce — supports long-term food security and the workers who rely on healthy land for their livelihood.
So today and every day we’re grateful for the hands that feed us.
Here’s to our farmers, ranchers, and food producers: thank you for all that you do.
Source:
Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. Ag and food sectors supported 22.1 million full- and part-time jobs in 2022. USDA ERS Chart Gallery. Updated May 2024. Accessed November 13, 2025.
