"The arc of the moral universe is long,
but it bends toward justice"
So began the address by the CIW's Lucas Benitez (right) at the May, 2008, joint press conference at the US Capitol announcing the agreement with Burger King. Lucas went on to describe the road ahead toward social responsibility in the US food industry:
"Social responsibility in this country's food industry is inevitable, and though the exploitation of Florida's farmworkers remains unconscionable today, company by company we are building a path toward justice. The next steps are up to those companies that stand before us in the road ahead."
Since that address, three more companies - Whole Foods, Subway and Bon Appétit Co. - have signed agreements with the CIW, and the focus of the Campaign for Fair Food has shifted to other food industry leaders. It is now time for Kroger, Ahold (parent company of Stop & Shop & Giant) and Publix in the supermarket industry, Aramark and Sodexo in the food service industry and Chipotle to step up and help us build a world where workers in Florida's fields can enjoy a fair wage and dignified working conditions.
Below are some ideas you can use to bring the Campaign to your community and help win the support of more major buyers of Florida tomatoes for the principles of Fair Food:
POSTCARDS
Send postcards to the corporate headquarters of Kroger, Ahold, Publix or Chipotle. To request postcards for yourself, your organization and your friends please email us. Let us know how many of each you would like to receive.
"DINE WITH DIGNITY"
The Student/Farmworker Alliance has launched the campus-based Dine with Dignity campaign against food service providers Aramark and Sodexo.For more information about how to get involved with Dine with Dignity, including action ideas and materials, visit the SFA website.
C + C = C (or, if you prefer, free DVD!)
One of the CIW's mottos is that Consciousness + Commitment = Change. You can help create consciousness in your community about the conditions in the fields and the important changes being created through the CIW’s Campaign for Fair Food. You can screen a DVD about our struggle or distribute educational materials. To receive a free DVD (which includes PBS's Now, Iowa PBS's "Slavery in Florida," ¿Y Ahora Qué?, Con Estas Manos and Immokalee: From Slavery to Freedom) and other organizing materials such as articles, fact sheets, postcards, stickers, please email us.
