CAFÉ Pachanga & Mercadito: Wenatchee’s market celebrates Latino culture and health care access for all

By Reneé Diaz May 24, 2024

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WENATCHEE — Community members gathered at a lively ocean-themed market, on Lewis Street in front of the CAFÉ community center. They were immersed in Latino culture, art, crafts, music and health care resources. From handmade crafts to essential health information, each table offered a unique experience.

The CAFÉ Pachanga & Mercadito on Saturday highlighted health programs and centered the event around diverse abilities, recognizing individuals with unique needs.

CAFÉ hosts a monthly community event on the third Saturday of each month, focusing on education and civic engagement. Each event revolves around a unique theme, with resources available in Spanish. This month, the market’s theme is centered around the ocean, featuring a sensory room equipped to help individuals calm down in overstimulated environments like markets.

“We have become a hub in Wenatchee where people come to us for their everyday needs or questions. The neat thing about this, it is culturally relevant. The Latino community can come and feel welcome right away,” said Alma Chacon, co-founder of CAFÉ.

This year, the Washington state Legislature approved more than $28 million to expand Medicaid and Apple Health programs. New rules allow people to enroll regardless of immigrant status. Washington state is the first to open the health care market to all undocumented residents.

A 2020 study by the Latino Center for Health found that 87.1% of respondents did not have health insurance, and 86% identified as undocumented or with temporary protected status. The leading barrier to obtaining health insurance was a lack of eligibility due to immigration status.

“Undocumented immigrants are not often included in health initiatives, this is great because it opens up some slots in our community for a chance to apply for Medicaid,” said Lucia Aguirre, a family service navigator for Nuestras Raices, a community center that serves the Latino population. “Most of our community is in the agricultural side of the workforce; being in the sun for 10 hours a day in more than 100 degree weather takes a toll on the body. To have health insurance to fall back on so it’s not an added expense is a relief,” said Aguirre.

At the market, multiple booths provided information about the new Apple Health Expansion, a program to expand health coverage to more people, including undocumented immigrants. The Health Care Authority will accept applications for Apple Health Expansion starting at 8 a.m. on June 20 until it reaches the enrollment cap of 13,000 people.

“It has been needed for a long time, there is still this gap,” said Maria Morales Sanchez, program coordinator for CAFÉ.

She noted challenges for some individuals who narrowly exceed the income threshold for Medicaid eligibility.

“We’re trying to fill a gap that’s existed for a long time by sharing information,” Sanchez said.

Currently, undocumented individuals have the option to purchase insurance through Washington Healthplanfinder, regardless of immigration status.

In Wenatchee, the mercadito is not only a place to exchange crafts and food, but a place to exchange ideas. The market provided health care resources and additional information on voting, including Rural People’s Voice, a grassroots organization focusing on rural communities, and voting information from the Office of the Secretary of State.

A resident in the area, Maria Garibay, went to the event to seek information on various resources and guidance on raising awareness about inaccessible sidewalks. These pose a safety risk to her son, Martin, who uses a wheelchair.

“The sidewalks are horrible, we have so many seniors in this neighborhood and it is unsafe. I want to raise more attention to this issue not only for my son but for others in this area,” Garibay said.

Along with the resources for civic engagement and health care, the event highlighted Wenatchee’s vibrant Latino culture.

A “pachanga,” known for its lively atmosphere of music, dancing and food, took center stage. Music from La Pera Radio TV and coverage from KEPARI TV offered a virtual experience to a wider audience.