Students across the nation are boycotting the Wendy’s hamburger chain, because that company is refusing to buy its tomatoes from sources that support the Fair Food Program. The Fair Food Program is a group that monitors growers to ensure that they adhere to strict labor standards. These standards include:
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Paying farmworkers at least the local minimum wage.
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Access to shade and water for workers.
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Freedom from physical and sexual abuse.
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Training of workers regarding their labor rights.
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Education sessions at least once per season.
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A 24-hour hotline where farmworkers can report abuse.
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A regular compliance audit for all participating growers, which includes an interview of at least half the workers on the farm.
Really, is that too much to ask? After all, slavery was supposed to have been outlawed in this country in 1865. Granted, it will cost companies more to buy Fair Food Program tomatoes, but they can pass that cost on to the consumer. I’d be willing to pay 1 to 4 cents more per pound of tomatoes to ensure that women aren’t being raped on farms, and people aren’t passing out due to dehydration.
Currently, Taco Bell, McDonalds and Walmart support the Fair Food Program. Unfortunately, Wendy’s, Costco, Publix and Kroger do not.
Here’s what you can do to help:
Educate yourself. Watch this informative one minute video, and then visit www.fairfoodprogram.org and www.allianceforfairfood.org .
Boycott Wendy’s, and at the very least do not buy your tomatoes from Costco, Publix and Krogers, and tell them why.
Go to the website and make a donation.
Look for Fair Food certification stickers on the tomatoes that you buy.
Spread the word. Share this post. Tell your friends.
Claim your copy of A Bridgetender’s View: Notes on Gratitude today and you’ll be supporting StoryCorps too! http://amzn.to/2mlPVh5
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