On Monday night August 15th, Pursuers in New York City will participate in the third installment of our Chewing on Food Justice series, Fruits of our Labor. As a preview, we’ve asked Mae Singerman, a panelist, some questions about her work . To learn more about Mae or this event, click here. We hope to see you there!
How did you get involved with the Community/Farmworker Alliance?
I moved to New York City from Miami, Florida two years ago. The Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW), though not based in Miami, is two hours away. They are in everyone’s consciousness in Miami who does social justice work. They’re a big inspiration for our small community. I had gone to protests or helped organize events featuring them for a few years, though I was never heavily involved.
When I moved to New York, I was overwhelmed with all of the organizations and issues. I didn’t know where I fit in, so I went back to the basics- what did I already know and care about? I knew a lot about the CIW and their organizing model. I knew they depended on allies across the country to help win their campaigns. I also knew I always liked the people who were drawn to CIW work. Two birds with one stone- work I could make a difference in and new people who could enrich my life. From there, I started to build relationships, plan meetings and eventually events and protests. The Community/Farmworker Alliance has a great core now and we’ve done some great work on supporting the CIW’s campaign against Trader Joe’s.
How do you think this labor-focused coalition work fits into the broader food justice/food sovereignty movement?
I think Chiptole is a great example of where the movement is at and where there is room for growth. Chipotle has refused to sign an agreement with the CIW for years. They know about the abuse of workers in the supply chain and have actively turned away. At the same time, they have very publicly committed to serve “food with integrity,” focusing on only buying pigs that have been treated humanely. I am all for treating pigs humanely. I’m also for treating humans humanely. Chipotle is a growing company and they know humanely-treated pigs sell them more burritos. Our movements have brought organic and cage-free into the mainstream. Now, we need to do the same for workers’ rights in the supply chain. I want to ensure that companies who abuse workers are publicly humiliated into changing their ways, that governments are pressured to take a stand against abuse and that “food with integrity” includes workers’ rights. This also goes for Trader Joe’s that has built its reputation on a similar image as Chipotle.
How does your Jewish identity relate to your work?
Well, it’s funny, because specifically with Community / Farmworker Alliance, half of our group is Jewish. The other half is Chicano. We can talk about what it means to be Jewish, interrupt each other and get into this frantic pace that is something I’ve only really seen in the Jewish world. I really get to bring my identity to our group and I so much appreciate that. On a broader level, I think my Jewish identity has helped me ask good questions, seek thoughtful answers and given me role models to look up to.
What are you looking forward to about Chewing on Food Justice: Fruits of Our Labor?
I’m looking forward to being on a panel with Daniel and Ari, who I really respect. I am also excited to meet some people who aren’t experts or activists. It’s hard to find new stuff to be involved in, to not feel isolated in a city of a thousand options. If there are people who come out and feel a bit more connected, then I’ll be excited.
