The news report I discussed on Tuesday, “Indentured Servitude Persists on Florida Farms,” still haunts my mind and thoughts. In fact, every canned good I notice stacked high along the shelves at the grocery store, leave me fearful. The severity of the tomato pickers in the report was clearly extreme. But I cannot ignore the possibility that paid workers are still, often even, exploited. If I am skeptical of sweatshop laborers in China, why not support the exploited migrant worker who picked my tomato? (Right here in America no less.)

After dinner on Tuesday, I explained the post to my wife and vented my emotions on the matter. As much as I enjoy writing these articles, I want to do more. I want to make a statement on the issue. During our conversation my wife made a comment that seemed so simple and yet so poignant.

Why not write the companies a letter? Explain your concern and see what they have to say.

And so begins another new project; albeit smaller in size and scope than the food curriculum but important nonetheless. I introduce to you…a letter writing campaign!

Unlike many of my activist friends, I have not participated in a letter writing campaign. Sure, I’ve signed some online petitions, but I want to be a bit more proactive. Plus, I want to hear the genuine explanation provided by corporate food producers on the well-being of their tomato pickers. I’m sure my concern will be of importance to them, (or at least I want to think so.)

At this point the initial step has been taken:

1. Go to grocery store and coop to find all varieties of canned tomatoes – check
2. Write a standard letter that voices my concerns – will write soon
3. Mail letter to all companies on my list – not even close
4. Post collected information to share with readers and other concerned shoppers – still a goal

While completing the first task of finding all the brands available to me, I stumbled upon another issue. It so happens that the Alberta Coop sells 2 brands and New Seasons sells 13. Why such a discrepancy between the two stores? I know that space could be an issue, but now I’m wondering about the decision-making process the stores are making for each product. Although not part of the grand vision, I am also interested in learning more about the store’s own understanding of canned foods and worker rights.

I realize that a store needs profit and sometimes “corners are cut” to make it work. And yet, I am willing to stop purchasing canned tomatoes for fear of supporting these heinous corporations. Shouldn’t the store be willing to question this too? It’s important for me to point out that both of these stores are Portland institutions and pride themselves on progressive food politics. Following this expectation, if the coffee is all fair-trade, shouldn’t the canned vegetables be as well?

Related posts:

1. Slave-trade Tomatoes, Fresh from Florida
2. Revitalization in All Shapes and Sizes (or) Blog Priorities
3. Health Eating, Healthy Junk Food?
4. New Year’s Resolutions
5. Blogger’s Block (or) Why I Have Not Posted Lately

Tags: Food Politics, portland, tomato