Denver Fair Food at Social Forum at Ekar Farm

Denver Fair Food will be speaking on farmworker rights on the Food Justice Panel at the Social Forum happening at Ekar Farm this Sunday.

The Food Justice Panel will be from 10:30am-12:30pm. Join us or for all or part of this cool event! 

Social Forum: Creating a Just and Sustainable World

Where: Ekar Farm, 181 S Oneida St, Denver
When: Sunday, August 12, 2012 at 8:30am

At 8:30, take a tour of the farm and help harvest produce for a donation to JFS Weinberg Food Pantry. from 10:30am to 12:30, three teach-ins are presented: Denver Water, Food Justice, and Farm to Table. At 12:30pm, we will eat lunch (bring a sack lunch) and hold an open forum to discuss what we have learned and choose our next steps.

Check out the flier for more details.

Chipotle Day of Action: From coast to coast, the message is clear...

from ciw-online.org:

Stop the Chipocrisy, start working with the CIW in a real, verifiable, and respectful partnership for human rights in your tomato supply chain -- now!

One thing we've learned from more than a decade of the Campaign for Fair Food is that ignoring your customers is never a winning strategy. Neither is trying to trick them.

People demanding a change whose time has come don't go away just because you turn your back on them. Nor do they fall for half measures or paternalistic reassurances that, though they may not agree or even understand, their concerns are in fact being heard and addressed.

The history of movements for human rights -- of movements to end the systematic exploitation, humiliation, and abuse of one class of human beings by another -- shows us that efforts by the exploiter to detain or delay progress are, ultimately, futile. In the words of Dr. King's far more eloquent formulation, "How long? Not long! Because the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice."

This week, a new chapter is being written in that history, through the ever-expanding campaign calling on Chipotle to live up to its claims of sustainability, to recognize farmworkers as partners in its success, and to join the CIW's Fair Food Program to eliminate human rights abuses in Florida's tomato fields. And the authors of this latest chapter are a growing wave of Fair Food activists that took to the streets this week in 25 cities across the country -- and across the Atlantic Ocean, in London, England -- to take the fight to Chipotle.

The protests' message was captured in a quote from Gerardo Reyes of the CIW:

“As farmworkers – the human beings actually confronting the poverty wages and labor abuses every day in the fields – we have no role in Chipotle’s plan,” explained Gerardo Reyes of the CIW. “Under their plan, Chipotle says it will review its own code of conduct and decide if any changes are needed, Chipotle will check its own payments for accuracy under its penny per pound plan, and Chipotle will verify its own compliance with the changes it is proposing. That’s just not credible. Transparency, verification, and participation are essential elements of the agreements we have reached with other fast-food leaders, and they are essential elements in any defensible definition of social responsibility.” read more

And echoed in a quote by Karen Dwyer, a Fair Food activist speaking to National Public Radio about the Chipotle protest in Naples, Florida:

"Without the agreement, the promise is not enforceable. It's a partnership, this Fair Food Agreement, it only works if everyone works together. And Chipotle wants to go-it-alone, just buy the tomatoes from those tomato growers that have already signed on to this agreement. But, the problem with that is then there's no verification. It's not a credible, contractual agreement and it cannot be verified." read more

But, ultimately, it was best expressed in over two dozen protests in signs, chants and one-to-one exchanges with Chipotle customers and managers at Chipotle restaurants across the country. Here below are a few of the first-hand reports from some of the actions:

London, England: "We found out on Monday that Chipotle has plans to expand in the UK. So we're pretty pleased that by Wednesday we had a half a dozen people from all around the country handing out several hundred leaflets at one of the three already existing branches in London! We had a great response from passers-by and most of the customers that we spoke to. Some said they would think twice before eating there again. We can make Chipotle feel that wherever they try and open a branch there will be a local group ready with leaflets." New York City: "Community Farmworker Alliance (CFA) in NYC hosted two days of action targeting Chipotle for their refusal to come to the table with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers and sign the fair food agreement. On Tuesday, July 24th members of CFA, joined by Oscar Otzoy of CIW joined with over one thousand low wage workers as part of a #nyrising action to call on corporations and employers to respect their employees and pay them a living wage. As part of the action, the marchers gathered at Chipotle demanding farmworker justice. On July 25th, over 50 community members and activists joined with Oscar and CIW to hold a picket in front of Chipotle and deliver hundreds of signed postcards asking Chipotle to do the right thing. As new Chipotle's continue to open in NYC, CFA will keep the pressure up to let them know that until they serve food with real integrity, we won't stop knocking at the door." Twin Cities, MN: "We went with around 15 people from four different organizations (Land Stewardship Project, Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, CTUL, and University of Minnesota Chicano Studies Program) and delivered 500 petition signatures from people in the Twin Cities calling on Chipotle to sign the Fair Food Agreement with CIW, and let them know that we would be bringing thousands more signatures in the future. the manager was generally supportive and said he would call the general manager that day, and we are going to follow up with him about that conversation." Columbus, Ohio: "We had a great action last evening in Columbus, Ohio with 30+ participants. It was a good intersection of students, faith community, local activists and new supporters of Ohio Fair Food and the Coalition of Immokalee Workers. We even had a couple of people walking by who asked who we were and why we there, then decided to join us! A small delegation went to speak with the manager. There was someone from the regional office waiting for us and observing our action. We had an extensive conversation with her about who we are and our expectations for Chipotle. We are pleased to say that support in Ohio is growing." Albuquerque, NM: "Unfortunately we were not able to get any photos, but 7 of us stood outside the Chipotle in Albuquerque from 5-7p.m. We also talked to two employees and a manager, they all told us they supported the cause. Also most of the customers and people, including the manager, that we talked to, told us they were shocked. Also the manager said that they had no problem with us standing outside Chipotle, and said our presence was "quite impressive!" Thats all from us for now. UNM Fair Trade Initiative, a student group at the University of New Mexico, said they were going to take up the torch and take this on as their fall project. So we let the manager know that we will be coming back."

There are many, many more reports that have made their way into the CIW already, and many more to come, so check back soon for a complete round-up when all the actions are a wrap next week.

Finally, we have the message as conveyed in the media. Perhaps the very best story on the protests came, not surprisingly, from the food movement blog civileats.com in a piece that covered the action at a Chipotle restaurant in Oakland entitled, "Taking on Chipotle with the Campaign for Fair Food". Here's an excerpt:

"... Though Chipotle works with some of the same growers that McDonald’s does, they have been refusing to sign the Fair Food agreement with the CIW, despite their hearty advertisement as an ethical eatery that purchases from local and sustainable farms that supply ingredients that are “raised with respect for the animals, the environment, and the farmers.” “Change is an equation that includes workers, growers, buyers, and consumers,” says Jake Ratner, the community coordinator at Just Harvest, and “Chipotle’s stance represents an arrogant approach to food justice.” Essentially, corporations have benefited from the free market and the politics that have created a history of corporate control. This has not served the laborers that bring the food to the table, and it has belied a mask of consumer choice with low prices that don’t reflect the true cost of the food being sold. In response, the CIW has established its own department of labor that sets wage standards and worker and corporate accountability. They are working one-on-one with the farms and big buyers, rather than relying on government (which has historically been too late to the table in responding to slavery in the fields, for example, and many other travesties that were supposed to be regulated). This is working towards a real sustainability that goes beyond organics and sets honest standards for both workers and buyers. “The campaign may not be taking on the Farm Bill or global trade policy directly,” said Kandace Eloisa Vallejo, a board member at Just Harvest. “But they are taking on chain restaurants and grocery stores,” which, she said, may prove more effective in the end. The movement for fair food and farmworker justice is growing. Many of those working in the food movement will be called to take action to show solidarity with farm labor rights as a critical component in their work towards a sustainable food system." read more

We send you into your weekend with a collection of all the media links from the Day of Action protests:

National: Integrity and Justice: Tell Chipotle to Go Deeper Than Just a Slogan (Huffington Post) Taking on Chipotle with the Campaign for Fair Food (civileats.com) Should the Food Movement Push for Better Jobs too? (Grist) Why Won't Chipotle Sign the Fair Food Agreement? (Good) Coalition of Immokalee Workers Targets Chipotle in Push for Humane Farmworker Conditions (Democracy Now) NYC: Farm Workers Rally in NYC in a Bid to Persuade Chipotle to Sign Fair Food Agreement (Labor Radio) Protesters Target Union Square Chipotle Over Wages For Farm Workers (The Gothamist) Protestan a nivel nacional contra Chipotle (El Diario) Cincinnati: CIW allies in Columbus and Cincinnati join Chipotle national day of action (Examiner) SW Florida: National Public Radio (WGCU) Local SW FL television coverage: * video clip #1 (Fox) * video clip #2 (Fox) * Immokalee workers protest Chipotle (NBC) * Protesters rally outside of North Naples Chipotle (CBS)

Thanks to everyone who made the Chipotle Day of Action such a huge success!

How long? Not long!...

Action Alert: Deliver a Chipotle manager letter this week!

Take a few minutes this week to tell Chipotle Mexican Grill to join the Fair Food Program by delivering a letter to the manager at your nearest restaurant.

Download the manager letter here!

This wednesday allies of the CIW across the country will be taking action as part of a National Chipotle Day of Action.  They will demand that Chipotle make a real commitment to upholding the human rights of farmworkers in its supply chain.  We are fed up with Chipotle's go-it-alone approach which eschews transparency, rejects worker participation and promises no lasting commitment.  We will not settle for half measures when it comes to human rights!

Amplify the message from the Day of Action by taking action yourself.  Download a manager letter, take it to a local Chipotle restaurant, ask to speak to the manager, and give her or him the letter (and a piece of your mind while you're at it!).

If you speak to a manager, she may try to convince you that Chipotle is already living up to the Fair Food standards. You can tell her or him that Chipotle doesn't get to decide the meaning of Fair Food; We do! And we demand that Chipotle sign a Fair Food Agreement with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers! See Chipotle's Top Ten Falsehoods, Fibs and Fabrications about the Campaign for Fair Food for more information.

New Chipocrisy tumblr

Our friends at the Community/Farmworker Alliance in New York just debuted this amazing new Tumblr: Chipocrisy

Check it out!

And while you're at it, check out this great blog post from the Oakland Food Policy Council:
Chipotle, Not So Hot

Dare we say there is a renewal of protest against Chipotle for its stubborn refusal to sign a Fair Food agreement with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers and it's cynical attempts to appease and confuse consumers with half measures.

There is even a National Day of Action planned to put pressure on the Denver-based burrito chain.

Ohio allies urge Kroger to join Fair Food Program at annual shareholder meeting...

Our allies in Ohio were recently protesting outside of the annual shareholder meeting of the Kroger Corporation, the parent company of Colorado's own King Soopers and City Market.  Here a report from the CIW website:


Members of Ohio Fair Food and the Cincinnati Interfaith Workers Center demonstrate outside
Kroger's 2012 Shareholder Meeting in Cincinnati.

Late last month in Cincinnati, Kroger executives and shareholders gathered in the company's hometown for the 2012 Kroger shareholder meeting amid a tide of rising profits for the country's second largest grocery chain.

A group of over 75 consumers and farmworker allies -- including members of Ohio Fair Food, the Cincinnati Interfaith Workers Center (CIWC) and other organizations and congregations -- braved the sweltering June heat for a lively picket drawing attention to Kroger's ongoing refusal to join the Fair Food Program.

Click here for a photo report from the action!

Outside the meeting, picketers engaged board members and shareholders in dialogue on the changes underway in Florida's fields -- and Kroger's refusal to support these changes. The Fair Food activists also stood in support of a shareholder resolution filed by The Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia. Meanwhile, inside the meeting, one CIW ally posed the following question to Kroger CEO David Dillon, which read, in part:

"The largest fast food and food service corporations in the country are now working with the other parties in the supply chain — over 90% of Florida tomato growers, as well as tens of thousands of farmworkers — to improve wages and working conditions, and stamp out abuses, in the industry. The mechanism guiding this collaboration, the Fair Food Program, has been called a “win-win-win” proposition by all parties involved. In the 21st century information age, supermarkets no longer sell products alone. Consumers are looking into the stories behind their food — and they aren’t complacent upon learning that the tomatoes they buy are based on the exploitation of hard-working men and women. In joining the Fair Food Program, Kroger could provide its customers with the story they want to hear: fair production — free of poverty, free of abuse. Our question to you is: When will Kroger seize this opportunity to mitigate human rights abuses in its supply chain, give its consumers a story behind their food that Kroger can be proud of, and — if done soon — pave the way for the rest of the industry?"

In a rehash of comments made at last year's shareholder meeting and again just days ago, Dillon offered a non-response referring to unilateral "investigations" and the company's own code of conduct -- the same code of conduct in place while Kroger continued to purchase, and profit from, produce harvested for decades under conditions of poverty, degradation, and abuse.

The response from Dillon and Kroger is especially jarring given the successful implementation of the Fair Food Program on fields across the state this past season and recent reports that the rising profits lauded at the shareholder meeting are attributable, in part, to "falling costs for produce" and Kroger's penchant "for holding down prices, even as food costs rise."

Undaunted, protestors outside the meeting continued with a march to Kroger corporate headquarters before concluding the action at the Cincinnati Interfaith Workers Center:

After the Kroger shareholder meeting began, the protesters marched to Kroger headquarters on Vine Street, where CIWC organizers Sameerah Ahmad and Robert Pace spoke with corporate visitors to Kroger. Back at the CIWC, Sameerah Ahmad relayed a report from the Kroger meeting on the results of the shareholder resolution. "Conditions in the fields were brought up, including widespread sexual harassment, wage theft, and sub-poverty wages in the supply chain," she said. "The delegate called on Kroger to follow in the footsteps of 10 other corporations, and give consumers access to tomatoes free of abuse in their supply chain," Ahmad said. "The motion received thousands of shareholder votes, but ultimately did not pass. "Kroger has yet to join the only program that can ensure its customers that its tomato supply chain is free of abuses. Obviously we still have work to do." read more

And finally, don't miss the media coverage of the day's events:

• "Rally to support farmworkers, pressure Kroger," Cincinnati Enquirer, 6/20/12

• "CIW allies and supporters ask Kroger shareholders to support Florida farmworkers," Unitarian Universalism Examiner, 6/21/12

• "Protesters want Kroger to sign Fair Food Agreement," FOX19, 6/21/12

• "Pickers protest outside Kroger shareholder meeting," ABC9, 6/21/12

Pressure on Chipotle continues

Protests and public pressure against Denver-based continues to grow such as the recent above-pictured protest at a Chipotle restaurant in Manhattan.

In Minneapolis, a delegation from the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy and a number of other local food justice and worker justice organizations held a delegation to their local Chipotle manager.  Here is an excerpt from their reflection on the delegation:

Similar to Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s, Chipotle has built a reputation for providing food with integrity. It’s amazing that they are willing to put that reputation on the line by resisting collaboration with CIW. Chipotle claims that they are instituting all of the conditions of the code of conduct; they just don’t want to sign the agreement with CIW. Yet without allowing for third-party verification, and given Chipotle’s history of questionable statements about its actions in support of farmworkers, Chipotle’s claims simply don’t have credence.

You can read the entire reflection from their excellent blog post here: Chipotle, please add some farmworker justice to my burrito

On the West Coast, Fair Food allies took a different approach - making a music video to the tune of Willie Nelson's cover of "The Scientist," the same song which Chipotle used in its "Back to the Start" commercial which won it praise from some sustainable agriculture proponents and many advertising industry insiders.  Only in the Fair Food version, the lyrics make the case for farmworker justice and demand that Chipotle sign a Fair Food Agreement with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers.


Capping off this post, we'll give a shout out to the 65,000 people who've signed the SumOfUs.org Petition to Chipotle demanding that it sign a Fair Food Agreement with the CIW.

Sign the petition today if you haven't already!

Scores of people added their own personal messages to Chipotle's CEO, and they were, taken together, a powerful expression of consumer discontent with the food system's indifference to unconscionable farm labor conditions at the bottom of their supply chains. We have compiled just a few of the messages to share with you here today, so sit back and enjoy as a chorus of consumers calls on Chipotle to stand behind its claim to "integrity" and stand with workers in Immokalee in building a more modern, more humane Florida tomato industry:

"I chose Chipotle because of its alleged ethical commitment and this refusal to participate in the CIW undermines that. Continued refusal would only lead me to believe that any further claims of ethical goodwill are patently false. Why lose the brand value you've built? Thank you." — S N, Berkeley Heights, NJ, United States "Mr. Ells - I am so disappointed that this company has not yet signed the agreement. I am an avid supporter of Chipotle due to its gathering of food sources and support of those that provide it. Now, I realize this may all be commercial hype. While I wait to see how Chipotle responds to this action, I will not be making purchases with your company. I anxiously await your "right" response. PLEASE inform the community in which you are located on your decision. You know others will when you won't... I hope to be a customer again and soon!" — C L, Erie, PA, United States "I am a regular Chipotle customer and a big fan because I respect the idea of 'food with integrity.' However, if it is only an idea, I will have to reconsider my loyalty. Thank you." — L W, Nashville, TN, United States "Mr. Ells - I am so disappointed! I chose to drive from VT to Saratoga yesterday, Mother's Day!, to shop and eat at Chipotle for lunch. There is a big sign in your restaurant about environmental initiatives like recycling the food baskets. Please be ethical all the way around." — S G, Middletown Springs, VT, United States "I want to add a personal message that my wife and I visit our local Chipotle, in Medford, MA, nearly every week. We love your burrito bowls, and in particular, we love the way in which you source your food. I find it deeply disappointing to find that your message is not truth, but mere marketing. Please, I urge you to sign the Fair Food Agreement, and work with the CIW, to ensure that farm workers are treated fairly. Without such action, I will have to think twice about whether or not I really wish to eat at your restaurant. Thank you." — N S, Medford, MA, United States "Mr. Ells, as a customer and fan of Chipotle, I'm upset to learn that your company has, despite its promise of serving 'food with integrity', refused to sign the Fair Food Agreement with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers. Please reinstate talks with CIW, and commit to the Fair Food Agreement. You'd be serving as a paragon for other companies to follow, and would keep my business and customer satisfaction. Thank you for your time." --- S K, Allen, TX, United States. 'Being from Colorado, I've always been proud of Chipotle's commitment to good food, raised and harvested in a good way... the way of harmony. Now I hear that you are not working with groups that serve these poor farm workers.. and give us no guarantee that the food is being picked in the least harmful matter, you want me for a costumer again, you will change this, if not, I have other places I can get my food." — R W, denver, CO, United States "I eat at Chipotle. I have eaten at Chipotle since there was only one restaurant, on Evans in the old Dolly Madison store. I am proud of Chipotle for supporting good food efforts like the film FOOD INC. and the recent appearance of Michael Pollan in Denver. It is dismaying that Chipotle doesn't support the Fair Food Agreement. Please uphold your good efforts with continued good efforts. Don't let Chipotle leave a bad taste in my mouth." — S C, Englewood, CO, United States "Mr. Ells - I love your "food with integrity" message, and it keeps me coming back as a customer. I am, however, disappointed to hear that you have, so far, not been willing to sign the Fair Food Agreement with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers. Many other large companies have been able to sign that agreement, so I don't imagine that it would impossibly impede your profits by doing so. I, for one, would be happy to pay a bit more for a Chipotle burrito (as I already choose to do) if I knew I could feel good about the people who work so hard to gather my food for me. Please sign the Fair Food Agreement right away. Thank you." — L S, Santa Cruz, CA, United States "Mr. Ells - A Chipotle just opened across the street from my office: I was looking forward to having a new option for lunch, so reading about your refusal to commit to the Fair Food Agreement comes as a real disappointment. Needless to say, I will not be introducing Chipotle into my lunch options given its unethical practice in regards to Florida farm workers. Please reverse this and sign the Fair Food Agreement with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers now." — M Ll, West Somerville, MA, United States "I am from Florida, and I believe if you saw the living conditions of so many of the workers you would understand how important this agreement is to improve the lives of the families that do this work. I appreciate your consideration." — K A, Richardson, TX, United States "As a single mother of a 4-year-old son, vegetarian like his mother, I frequent Chipotle one or two times a week when we're in a big hurry and need fast, affordable healthy fare. He loves your food, as do I! But this is such a turn-off that we will be taking our business elsewhere until we hear a change has been effected. There are other options out there for customers who care about ethics!!! Chipotle, please hurry up and do the right thing." — I Y, Evanston, IL, United States "People at our company order from chipotle at least 3 times per week, rarely less than $33.00 to feed 4 people per order. There is an astonishing amount of information on your website pertaining to ethically-sourced ingredients. The fair food agreement is a step towards insuring those who do the labor in the fields can begin to earn a living wage for their work. Therefore, please do the right thing, and sign on. To think that there is any unethical treatment to anyone/anything anywhere in your supply chain is unfortunate." — C F, Groveport, OH, United States "I've been excited that a Chipotle opened in NW arkansas and had intended a special trip to check it out. A large part of why I was drawn to your place of business was your claims of food with integrity etc. is it just a ruse to attract customers or are you the real thing? Thank you." — S C, Springdale, AR, United States "Mr. Ells - My son loves your food and so we eat there often, sometimes several times a week, including tonight in fact. I am horrified to learn that you have not signed the Fair Food Agreement with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers. Please sign it immediately to ensure workers are paid and treated fairly for the tomatoes they pick for your salsa." — Z N, Washington, DC, United States "I think I'll be holding off on going to my local Chipotle--which I usually hit once a week-- until I hear the results of this. After all, there's a Subway or two in the same stretch, and they are looking better right now. Thank you." — E F, Columbus, OH, United States "If you find that you are unable to sign the agreement to push for equality and fair treatment for workers then I won't be able to believe your claim of serving "food with integrity" and will no longer financially support Chipotle. Thank you for your time." — B W, Austin, TX, United States I enjoy your burrito bowls and would like to continue enjoying them but I like for the restaurants I frequent to be ethical and honest in their business dealings. Please sign so that I know you remain committed to ethical business practices! —Jenna Nassrah, Norfolk, VA, United States "Mr. Ells - Please sign the Fair Food Agreement with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers now, to ensure workers are paid and treated fairly for the tomatoes they pick for your salsa. It's been more than 60 years since "Harvest of Shame!" It's time." — Dr. B Tulsa, OK, United States "I am additionally a Chipotle stockholder, for the sole reason that you are supposedly an ethical company. I will sell my shares and move on if you don't take the appropriate action on this matter. " — K T, Dallas, TX, United States "Mr. Ells - It's the right thing to do, regardless of any mitigating factors. Please put yourself in a picker's place and think about that." — D C, Portland, OR, United States "Mr. Ells: My purchases of food and most goods are influenced by the business practices of the organization I'm purchasing from. This includes the treatment of both their employees and the employees of their suppliers." — E K-M, Downingtown, PA, United States "I have been a steady Chipotle customer since branches opened in Manhattan. I have been buying dinner for two from these branches at least twice a week-- including last night. I also buy lunch for the workers in my department and myself at Chipotle, as a treat. But unless Chipotle signs with the CIW, you will lose me as a customer permanently. And until I learn that you are dealing fairly with Immokalee farm workers, I will not buy from Chipotle. If McDonald’s, Burger King, Subway, Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, and many other corporate firms can reach agreement with the CIW, I fail to see why Chipotle cannot. Sincerely," -- J H, P S, NY, United States "It's time to do the right thing here. Remember, the whole world is watching. Thank you for your consideration." — D H, Iowa City, IA, United States "And I'll be sure that EVERYONE in my local area learn that your claims are nothing more tangible than a ghosts dream. Let's see you business thrive with half your clientele missing." — L E, Loveland, CO, United States "Chipotle's work with Farm Aid is greatly appreciated, but refusal to sign the CIW agreement brings into question your organization's concern for farmers and farmworkers. Thank you from a Naples, Florida resident." — L C, Naples, FL, United States

We'll stop there for now, but there are many, many, many more...

Tell Chipotle: Sign the Fair Food Agreement!

The great folks at SumOfUs.com have started a petition demanding that Chipotle stop the PR games and half measures when it comes to farmworkers human rights and finally sign a Fair Food agreement with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers.

Take a moment to sign the petition:
Chipotle: Sign the Fair Food Agreement!

And be sure to see the CIW's extensive rebutal to Chipotle's Top Ten Falsehoods, Fibs and Fabrications about the Campaign for Fair Food (currently on #6).

“Slavery, pure and simple.”

That’s how the US attorney described working conditions on one Florida tomato farm in 2008. Farm labor bosses have repeatedly been brought to court for their treatment of workers, including in that case for beating their workers who refused to work or tried to leave, holding their workers in debt, and chaining and locking workers inside U-Haul trucks as punishment.

Luckily, when it comes to Florida tomatoes, there’s a solution: The Fair Food Program, created by an amazing group of Florida farmworkers called the Coalition of Immokalee Workers, who’ve already successfully convinced major corporations like Burger King and Subway to participate in their program.

But Chipotle is refusing to join the program – despite all its marketing hype about ethical sourcing. That means that the tomatoes in the salsa and burritos we buy at Chipotle could be being picked under these horrific conditions.

Send a message to Chipotle’s CEO Steve Ells, calling for him to commit to real “food with integrity” by signing the Fair Food Agreement.

And it actually gets worse. Chipotle is misleading its customers by trumpeting the work of the CIW on its website. In reality, Chipotle broke off talks with the CIW, opting instead to go it alone — no partnership, no verification, no commitment for the long term. By refusing to partner with the CIW, Chipotle is undercutting the life-changing work the CIW has done to protect farmworkers from the often-brutal conditions workers face at farms not participating in the Fair Food Program.

Since organizing in the mid-90s, the Coalition of Immokalee Workers has successfully pressured large corporations like Aramak, Compass Group, and Whole Foods to sign its Fair Food Agreement, guaranteeing a fair wage and worker protections to the men and women who pick tomatoes across Florida. And just this past February, SumOfUs.org members helped convince Trader Joe’s to sign the Fair Food Agreement!

Next weekend, CIW is ramping up the pressure on Chipotle by sponsoring a weekend of action where people all over the US will be pressuring Chipotle to sign the Fair Food Agreement. Let’s use our power as consumers — the people that, frankly, CEOs care most about — and demand that
Chipotle sign on to the Fair Food Agreement.

Join the movement for fair food by sending a message to Chipotle’s CEO, urging him to sign the Fair Food Agreement now.