Did You Guys Eat?: Honoring the Hands that Feed Us
In appreciation of the farmworkers and farmers who grow and harvest the abundant & delicious food we enjoy, the Oceana Community Foundation is pleased to host the world premier screening of the documentary of “Did You Guys Eat?/¿Ya comieron?” on Thursday, June 12th at 6:30pm at the Hart Middle School auditorium.
Produced and directed by Emmy Award-winning documentarian and Alma College Professor of World Languages and Cultures Stephany Slaughter, the film serves as the opening event for the National Asparagus Festival weekend of activities.
This free event begins at 6:30pm with an opportunity to connect & learn from local resource groups, followed by the film screening from 7-8pm. The evening concludes with a panel discussion featuring the film’s director & producer, local farmers, farm workers, support service leaders, and film production crew.
“This film is a heartfelt reminder of the people behind the food we enjoy every day,” said Tammy Carey, CEO of the Oceana Community Foundation. “We’re excited to help bring it to our community and honor our growers & farmworkers, learn from one another, and come together in a positive way – especially while celebrating being the Asparagus Capital of the World! ”
About the Film
“Did You Guys Eat?/¿Ya comieron? Stories of Michigan Agriculture” is a journey into the heart of Michigan’s agricultural landscape – one of the most diverse in the nation. Second only to California in crop variety, Michigan’s farms are as varied as the people who work on them. This documentary follows the rhythm of the growing season, focusing on the individuals whose labor brings food to our tables: small family farmers, organic growers, and the often-overlooked seasonal migrant workers. The compelling film goes beyond the fields to also highlight the support network caring for the well-being of those who help us eat. This film is not just about farming — it’s about the people, their stories, and the invisible systems that bring every meal to our tables.
The idea for this premiere event was first inspired by a March session of the Foundation’s quarterly Free Dive event that focused on: “Understanding, Connecting & Supporting Oceana Farmworkers & Hispanic Residents.” Attendees had the opportunity to hear Professor Slaughter and preview clips from the film — an experience that sparked overwhelming enthusiasm and the desire to bring the full documentary to Oceana County.
“It was an honor for the Foundation and MDHHS Farmworker Outreach Services Division to include a segment of the film at their event and to suggest screening the film as part of the National Asparagus Festival. It is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the participants in the film and honor the work that goes into putting food on our tables in the context of this agricultural festival. I look forward to connecting with all the different service groups before the film screening and the panel discussion following,” said Stephany Slaughter, film director & producer.
In the spirit of welcoming and supporting the return of our farmworkers, the Foundation encourages moviegoers to also bring a donation to benefit this year’s Migrant Child Task Force Drive. Learn more and see the list of needed items here: tinyurl.com/2025CampOutreach.
About Oceana Community Foundation
The Oceana Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals and families in Oceana County through philanthropy, education, and community development. By connecting donors with community needs, the Foundation fosters opportunities for growth, innovation, and success for all people.