For over six years, thousands of farmworkers, consumer allies, and Fair Food supporters across the country have made an unwavering call to Publix – sending letters, making calls, biking, fasting and marching to the company's doorstep – to demand justice for the tens of thousands of farmworkers who make their profits possible. However, the Florida-based grocer has stubbornly refused to make a commitment to human rights for farmworkers in its supply chain.
In October, University of South Florida students and community members received word that plans are underway for the construction of a Publix store at the USF Tampa campus. After months of discussion and deliberation, the proposal to grant Publix a property lease on campus comes to a vote before the USF Board of Trustees this Friday, January 15. Standing with farmworkers, USF students and members of Tampa Bay Fair Food are organizing locally and putting out the call to the rest of the Fair Food Nation to join them in sending a clear message to the USF Board of Trustees: Publix can't set up shop on our campus until they respect farmworkers' human rights!
Join us for this call to action by signing and sharing this online letter that will be sent to the USF Board of Trustees and administrators.
As a university, USF states that it strives to promote civic culture and build sustainable communities. Entering into business with Publix, a grocer that has shamefully turned its back on basic human rights for farmworkers for years, is inconsistent with USF's stated values as an institution that is accountable not just to students and alumni, but also to its surrounding community.
Take part in this vital moment in the campaign by signing and sharing the letter to the USF Board of Trustees by Friday, urging them to turn down Publix's proposal to build a supermarket on campus until they join the Fair Food Program.
-The Immokalee Crew