I had the priveledge this past week, of joining the Coalition of Immokalee Workers and thier allies, as they joined together in a 6 day fast for fair food at the Publix HQ in Lakeland Florida. The fasters perservered over the course of 6 days, through sweltering heat, thunder storms, and intimidation and harrasment by Publix officials and ultimately broke their fast on day 6, supported by the Kennedy family and hundreds of activists, farm workers, and concerned citizens from around the country.

While it is true that the agricultural system within the US is a complex industry with a history deeply rooted in the exploitation of its workers, the message of the CIW and the fasters was simple and clear. Sign on to pay a penny more per pound so that farmworkers can earn a living wage.

You can read aditional media coverage of the fast at the Miami Herald, and visit the CIW webpage to learn more about their campaign for fair food.