No group in America better fits the description “the least of these my brothers” than migrant agricultural workers. The systemic use of undocumented migrant labor for practically all labor intensive farm work, at subsistence wages and under conditions that are dangerous and degrading, is a major factor in keeping food prices in the United States at levels far lower, relative to income, than those found in most countries. Americans spend on average less than 7 percent of their household income on food, the lowest proportion in the world and perhaps in the course of human existence. If we consider that 40 percent of food purchased in the United States is thrown out, the figure falls to around 4 percent of household income. As we give thanks this holiday season for a food supply so abundant that we can waste nearly half of it, we should pause to consider the conditions that make such abundance possible and who is really paying for it. In many cases cheap food has come at the price of conditions approaching or even equaling slavery on American farms.

Since 1993, the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW), representing winter-crop tomato pickers in Collier County, Florida, has been at the forefront of the struggle by migrant farm workers for fair pay, safe working and living conditions, and human dignity. CIW's Fair Food Agreement has emerged as an effective instrument for improving the pay, working conditions, and quality of life for thousands of farm workers. The Agreement commits participating growers to standards of fair compensation and human rights as basic as not physically or sexually abusing workers and not cheating or stealing from them.

Participating buyers pay a premium price and agree to buy only from participating growers. By signing the agreement, large buyers exert real pressure on growers to improve working conditions on their farms. Since 2005, 10 large corporate buyers have signed the Fair Food Agreement: Yum Brands (Taco Bell) (2005), McDonald’s (2007), Burger King (2008), Subway (2008), Whole Foods Market (2008), Bon Appétit Management Company (2009), Compass Group (2009), Aramark (2010), Sodexo (2010), Trader Joe’s (2012), and Chipotle (2012).

Together, these companies represent nearly half the US winter-crop tomato market. The other half is dominated by major grocery chains, including Wal-Mart, Kroger, Publix, Food Lion, Harris Teeter, and others, which to date have resisted signing the Fair Food Agreement.

Nashville Friends Meeting holds up the struggle of CIW in the Light of God's Love. We call on all corporate buyers of winter-crop tomatoes to join us in saying “NO” to slavery and abuse by signing the Fair Food Agreement. 

Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.  —Matthew 24:40

—Approved at Monthly Business Meeting, 18th Day, 11th Month, 2012 

Approved by Nashville Friends Meeting Nov 18, 2012