Large farms in the United States are often reliant on poorly paid labor, frequently to the point of exploitation. Immigrants and migrant workers contribute greatly to our food system while being denied social services and can be exposed to chemical pesticides and fertilizers amongst other health and safety hazards. Fortunately, there are some great organizations working to make sure working conditions improve for farm workers and that they receive fairer wages.

More Information

Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW)
An internationally-recognized human rights organization working to eliminate modern-day slavery and sweatshop labor conditions in agriculture in Florida.

Interfaith Worker Justice
A non-denominational non-profit organization that educates, organizes, and mobilizes religious people of all faiths on economic issues and campaigns that will improve wages, benefits, and conditions for workers.

National Farm Worker Ministry (NFWM)
A faith based organization supporting farm workers as they organize for empowerment, justice, and equalityy, as well as serving as a vehicle for people of faith to respond to the call for justice. NFWM includes forty national, state, and local religious bodies and staff in California, Florida, North Carolina, and Oregon. Education and worship resources and information about campaigns are all available on their website.

Some Actions to Get You Started

Join the Campaign for Fair Food and work towards justice for tomato workers.

Work with other congregations in your community on a postcard campaign to send to Kroger, Public, Stop & Shop, Giant, Chipotle, and other large tomato companies.

Buy and promote Union Label Products – by supporting the labels listed on this website, you can help farm workers maintain hard-won victories around decent wages, benefits, and working conditions. Promoting the products as union label at community potlucks can help educate others about labor victories and further the movement.

For additional resources and links to learn more, go to the Still Hungry for More Information and Ethical Eating CSAI pages.

Photos, flickr/Creative Commons: Jason Alegria, Rally for the Coalition of Immokalee Workers