Bikers arrive in Lakeland on September 6th under a driving rainstorm for the final leg of the Pilgrimage to Publix

It’s going on three weeks now since farmworkers from Immokalee and their allies pedaled through the streets and back roads of Lakeland, Florida, on their way to Publix headquarters to ask for a meeting with Publix CEO Ed Crenshaw. Their hopes to invite Mr. Crenshaw to visit Immokalee and learn of farmworker poverty and the Fair Food Program first-hand were dashed, however, when Mr. Crenshaw refused to come out of the headquarters building and sent, instead, an unnamed representative to turn down the invitation and ask the farmworker delegation to leave Publix property.

The disdain demonstrated by Mr. Crenshaw for the farmworkers — whose hard labor has helped Publix become Florida’s largest company, with $25.3 billion in revenue — did not sit well with most observers, and the religious press and the growing community of faith-based Fair Food allies were no exception. Many have written to express a deep frustration with Publix’s indifference and are eager to take action. An email from an Episcopalian ally from Naples, writing after leaving a message at Publix headquarters for Mr. Crenshaw, captures that frustration:

Here below is just a sampling of the articles, statements, and sentiments that continue to pour forth in the aftermath of the Pilgrimage to Publix:

• “Pilgrimage to Publix: Immokalee workers ride 11 days, 200 miles,” Faith in Action, News and Views from the United Methodist Board of Church and Society, 9/13/11
  

  “… On Aug. 27, three representatives from the Coalition of Immokalee Workers and about 10 Southwest Florida clergy members began the 200-miles journey to the Publix headquarters. At the outset, the Rev. Harold Brown of North Naples United Methodist Church and the Rev. Roy Terry of Cornerstone United Methodist Church, also in Naples, blessed the pilgrimage sending them off with prayer. Along the way, members of Manatee United Methodist Church in Bradenton hosted the pilgrims for breakfast and invited them to share their story. They blessed the bike riders’ journey through prayer. At the last leg of the ride from Immokalee to Lakeland, bicyclists were met with shouts of encouragement and car honks from people hopeful the riders would succeed…” read more

   

• “A journey for justice: Coalition of Immokalee Workers, cyclists call on Publix to adopt fair food principles,” Presbyterian News Service, 9/20/11
  

  “Biking 200 miles seemed a small price to pay for such a just cause as this,” said Bob Forbes, an elder at First Presbyterian Church of Sarasota, Fla… … Before, during and after the rally, participants spoke of the importance of doing something so simple for justice as the penny a pound initiative, now accepted by a host of corporations, which has helped increase the daily incomes of pickers. “Until I got involved with the CIW, I had never participated in a protest of any kind,” Forbes said. “The treatment of migrant workers is such a clear example of injustice you have to do something.” read more

   

• “Fla. UCC churches support ‘pilgrims’ on 200-mile justice trek,” United Church of Christ News, 9/13/11
  

  “For me, it was a continuation of involvement I’ve had in farm worker justice,” said the Rev. Bill Klossner, senior pastor at Punta Gorda for the past 23 years. “I was one of the 95 pilgrims who flew to southern California from General Synod in St. Louis in 1973 when we had the opportunity not only to be with grape workers, but also met Cesar Chavez.” read more

   

• “Guest Commentary: Coalition of Immokalee Workers targeting Publix,” Susan Joy Smellie, Naples Daily News, 9/16/11
  

  “… As a Publix shopper for 40 years, I agree the company has an outstanding record. That makes it even more upsetting that in the fields of production closest to Publix’s home, their record has been tarnished. Publix has advertised Fair Trade — helping coffee pickers a continent away — to boost sales and image while refusing to participate in Fair Trade in their own backyard… … Publix, please take your place as part of the solution, providing economic justice and freedom from abuse for farmworkers close to home. Your loyal customers expect you to “do the right thing.” After all, you are Publix.” read more

   

• Open Letter to Publix, Rabbis for Human Rights – North America
  

  “… As rabbis, we believe that our faith calls on us to work for justice. Jewish values demand that we fight for an end to modern slavery and human rights abuses. During our Passover holiday each spring, we remember our experience as slaves in Egypt and pledge that we work for a world where no one is enslaved. We believe that every human being is created in the image of God. Our faith also demands that workers be paid a fair wage for their work and are treated with the respect and dignity due to a reflection of the divine image… … It is imperative that Publix seize the opportunity to be part of the solution to Florida’s longstanding history of farmworker exploitation.” read more

Support for the Campaign for Fair Food continues to expand. Publix’s refusal to even grant the bike riders the courtesy of a visit with Mr. Crenshaw only strengthened the resolve of Fair Food activists across the state to continue — and intensify — their efforts. The battle grows louder every day…