Letter from Martin Sheen to Trader Joe's CEO Dan Bane
in support of CIW's Campaign for Fair Food
Mr. Dan Bane, CEO
Trader Joe's
P.O. Box 5049
Monrovia, CA 91017
Dear Mr. Bane,
I am writing to convey my fervent support for Trader Joe's signing an accord with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers to better the lives of the men and women that harvest the tomatoes sold in your company's stores.
As a member of the Board of Directors of the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights, for many years I have closely followed the Coalition's inspiring efforts to eliminate poverty-level pay and labor abuses in Florida's tomato fields.
To date, McDonald's, Burger King, Subway, Yum Brands (parent of Taco Bell, Long John Silvers and KFC), Compass Group, Aramark, Sodexo and Whole Foods have committed their purchasing power behind more ethical standards in their tomato supply chain. By paying a premium to elevate pickers' wages a penny-per-pound and only buying from farms that comply with the CIW's Fair Food Code of Conduct, these retailers are ushering in a long awaited new day for the tomato industry.
Frankly it is both surprising and deeply disappointing that Trader Joe's has yet to make a binding commitment to support the CIW's Fair Food Program. Given your company's progressive reputation, I imagine the overwhelming majority of Trader Joe's customers share my hope that your company will speedily join with the CIW to do its part in advancing the human rights of farmworkers.
Thank you for your consideration,
Martin Sheen
