Why we do what we do
Believing that, “with God all things are possible,” the PC(USA) has been working side-by-side with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers to change the structure of the food system so that it ensures human rights for men and women harvesting tomatoes in Florida since 2002.
Jesus calls us to love our neighbors as ourselves, urging each of us to recognize how the choices we make impact one another. To change what have been seemingly intractable conditions faced by farmworkers for generations, takes all of us working together; each doing our part.
Jonathan Blum, EVP of Yum! Brands and Lucas Benitez of CIW at the signing of the first fair food agreement in 2005, courtesy of CIW.
The Apostle Paul depicts the church as a body with many members who need one another to function well. Similarly, understanding that each member of the tomato industry is important and necessary, is the bedrock upon which the Fair Food Program is built. The Program embodies a collaborative approach to ensuring a more modern and humane industry by drawing upon the unique power not only of farmworkers and growers but also of corporations and consumers.
Each of us has an invaluable role to play in seeing that these bourgeoning advances reach their fullest potential.
And so we work and pray and build together, believing that:
In a broken and fearful world
the Spirit gives us courage
to pray without ceasing,
to witness among all peoples to Christ as Lord and Savior,
to unmask idolatries in Church and culture,
to hear the voices of peoples long silenced,
and to work with others for justice, freedom, and peace. (Brief Statement of Faith)
- Read a reflection by Cheryl Queen, EVP at Compass Group (food service corporation) and member of Myers Park Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, NC.
- Read a biblical reflection on how, through our work for fair food, the church shows mercy.
- Pray for the advancement of human rights and fair food and the church’s witness.
The PC(USA)’s participation in the Campaign for Fair Food is a ministry of the Presbyterian Hunger Program and supported by the One Great Hour of Sharing Offering. Since 2002, the Rev. Noelle Damico has served as the Associate for Fair Food, animating and involving Presbyterians in the Campaign for Fair Food. Read more
You may reach Noelle at (631) 371-9877 or by email.
