The Oregon farmworkers’ union Pineros y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste (Northwest Treeplanters and Farmworkers United) launched a nationwide boycott against NORPAC Foods in 1992, alleging that NORPAC growers repeatedly violate farmworker rights, and that workers who dare try to change these conditions face eviction from grower-owned housing, firing, even physical violence. The seemingly innocuous Gardenburger, made by Wholesome and Hearty Foods, is distributed by NORPAC Food Sales Co.; the union hopes that boycotting the veggie treat will force Wholesome and Hearty to drop NORPAC as a distributor, thus pressuring NORPAC growers into collective bargaining with field workers.
No Beef with Buffalo
Buffalo burger
For all you carnivores out there, the American buffalo is not classified as an endangered species; some 200,000 of them dot the countryside. Buffalo meat, raised by small independent ranches across the West, is 100% natural, raised without drugs or hormones. The USDA says buffalo has almost 85% less fat than beef, 25% more protein, and 50% more thiamin — and far less cholesterol than beef, lamb, pork, or even chicken, allowing buffalo promoters to boast, “Enjoy red meat and stay healthy.” Also available as steaks, roasts, or jerky.
Bite Me
It’s sandwich time!
What’ll it be? “Dolphin-safe” tunafish, or an Oscar Mayer special?