Preparing for the Tomato Fields

In Immokalee, Fla., hundreds of day laborers work in the tomato fields. Bon Appetit Management promises to boycott Florida tomatoes if growers do not agree to improve conditions and increase pay for these workers.

As the sun rises in Immokalee, the streets are empty. Beginning at 5 a.m., the hundreds of day laborers board old school buses that transport them to the tomato fields. About 90 percent of winter tomatoes come from Florida.

Kelli Stanko-For The Washington Post

A worker loosens ice cubes in an ice machine so workers can fill coolers and have access to fresh water during their day's work.

Kelli Stanko-For The Washington Post

Each morning convenience stores in Immokalee are flooded with hopeful day workers buying water, coffee and snacks while they wait for buses that transport them to farms to pick produce.

Kelli Stanko-For The Washington Post

Immokalee farm workers pile onto buses each morning to work in the tomato fields. Spots on the buses are given out on a first-come first-serve basis. A day's work averages $50 a day.

Kelli Stanko-For The Washington Post

Staff member Lucas Benitez of the Coalition of Immokalee Workers explains to Bon Appetit Vice President Maisie Greenawalt about the living and working conditions of tomato pickers.

Kelli Stanko-For The Washington Post

From left to right, Leonel Perez, Lucas Benitez, Marc Rodriguez, Nely Rodriguez (with baby), staff members of the Coalition of Immokalee Workers walk with Fedele Bauccio in front of the house in Immokalee that was once a place where farm workers were held as slaves.

Kelli Stanko-For The Washington Post

Fedele Bauccio, left, chief executive of Bon Appetit Management, talks with Washington lawyer Steve Hitov who represents the Coalition of Immokalee Workers.

Kelli Stanko-For The Washington Post

Gallery Credits:
Photo Editor, Producer Troy Witcher Text Editor Jane Black

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