During my time with SAF, one of the biggest issues that was revealed to me was Wendy's refusal to sign the Fair Food Program (FFP). The FFP is a program that is designed to improve the working conditions and wages for tomato harvesters in Florida, a community that has been historically underserved and marginalized. The FFP was created by the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW), a worker-led organization that seeks to improve the lives of farmworkers. Wendy's was one of the few major food companies that had not signed on to the program, citing concerns about the program's cost and effectiveness. This decision by Wendy's was a major blow to the farmworker community, as it meant that they would continue to work under poor conditions and receive low wages.
One of the ways that I was able to have an impact on this issue was by organizing a protest alongside other SAF interns. We planned the protest carefully, ensuring that it was peaceful, respectful, and effective. We wanted to make sure that we were sending a clear message to Wendy's that their decision was unacceptable and that we would not stand for it. In addition to organizing the protest, I also made a conscious effort to educate others about the issue in my everyday life. This included talking to friends and family members about the issue, sharing articles on social media, and even wearing a button or pin that showed my support for farmworker rights. By doing this, I was able to raise awareness about the issue and encourage more people to get involved in the fight for fair labor practices.
While we were not able to convince Wendy's to sign the FFP during my time with SAF, I believe that our efforts had a significant impact on the farmworker community and the broader conversation around workers' rights. By organizing the protest and raising awareness about the issue, we were able to demonstrate our support for the farmworkers and show them that they were not alone in their fight for fair treatment.
My participation in SAF also had a profound impact on me personally. Through my work with the organization, I was able to learn more about the struggles faced by farmworkers and the ways in which corporations can exploit vulnerable workers. I gained valuable skills in advocacy, community organizing, and social justice, all of which will be valuable in my future endeavors.
In terms of possible solutions to the issue of Wendy's refusal to sign the FFP, I believe that it is important for the public to continue to put pressure on the company. This can include protests, boycotts, and other forms of direct action. It is also important for other major food companies to continue to sign on to the FFP, as this will demonstrate to Wendy's that their stance is not acceptable.
Overall, my participation in SAF opened my eyes to the struggles faced by farmworkers and the ways in which corporations can exploit vulnerable workers. By organizing a protest and raising awareness about the issue, I was able to play a small part in the fight for fair labor practices. I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of this important work, and I will continue to advocate for workers' rights in the future.