Using #MyPublixStory hashtag, consumers revisit six-year Publix campaign history, demand commitment to Fair Food…
For the past week, we have been sharing highlights from the flood of letters, emails, and articles by consumers who can no longer countenance the empty excuses from Publix, Kroger, and Wendy’s for refusing to join the Fair Food Program. Today, we bring you the grand finale of the “Tipping Point” series with a collectively-crafted, powerful message for Publix from consumer allies — on Twitter.
First, a little background. Recently, Publix launched a new campaign on social media dubbed #MyPublixStory, an effort to collect glowing consumer anecdotes about their favorite personal experiences at the Florida-based supermarket. Here is Publix’s pitch of this new advertising campaign:
168,000+ Associates. 1,100 stores. 80+ years of service.
It all comes down to one story: Yours.
Your stories inspire us. They make us better. And gathered together, they make up our story. So explore away and, of course, share your own. We can’t wait to hear it.
So, last Friday, dozens of Fair Food allies took Publix up on its challenge and took to Twitter to share their Publix stories as a part of the new #MyPublixStory campaign — and we’ve collected the highlights for you here below! So, sit back and enjoy the selection from Twitter, share them widely, and feel free to tell your own Publix story on social media in the coming weeks…
#MyPublixStory has been writing letters, fasting & marching w/ @ciw since 2009. Join the @FairFoodProgram, @Publix! pic.twitter.com/1tSq7fYhuB
— AFF (@alliance4ff) August 14, 2015
#MyPublixStory includes marching with Stetson Kennedy in 2009. It’s been 6 years and several corporations, #Publix. http://t.co/8up6SzHdQt
— marc rodrigues (@mprodrig) August 14, 2015
In ’12, I fasted 6 days w/60 others @Publix HQ. Still waiting for them to join the @FairFoodProgram… #MyPublixStory pic.twitter.com/xWBIwDQjnP
— Meghan Cohorst (@mcohorst) August 17, 2015
If you actually want to be a good neighborly supermarket @Publix, sign the @FairFoodProgram! The @ciw deserves your support #MyPublixStory
— Kelsey Voit (@KVoit95) August 14, 2015
#MyPublixStory: My 1st visit to @Publix, I witnessed managers refuse to even speak with farmworkers. When will you join @FairFoodProgram ?!
— Shelby Mack (@shelbymmack) August 14, 2015
For a company interested in the local community why does Publix turn a deaf ear to basic human rights for farm workers? @ciw #MyPublixStory
— Roy Terry (@revroyiv) August 14, 2015
#MyPublixStory = keep vigils at @Publix & @Wendys stores, educate @FoodChainsFilm screenings w/ Q&A at local schools & communities centers.
— TreasurCoastFairFood (@TCFairFood) August 15, 2015
#MyPublixStory is still only a dream: @Publix supporting the #humanrights of the people who harvest their produce! @FairFoodProgram @ciw
— Alyssa Roelans (@AlyssaMiami) August 14, 2015
#MyPublixStory outside @Publix hdq at Fast w @CIW: join the @FairFoodProgram. 14 companies have. @Publix? Not yet… pic.twitter.com/H3N1vAhM8X
— Noelle Damico (@RevDamico) August 14, 2015
We look forward to the day when we can count Publix among the other major U.S. food retailers that have decided to partner with farmworkers, growers, and consumers to set a new standard for human rights in U.S. agriculture.
Until then… Publix’s story will continue to be defined not by its customer service or product selection, but rather by its unconscionable decision to stand in the way of long-overdue justice for Florida’s farmworkers.