PC (U.S.A.) carries forward their struggle for fair food during Lent

As the farm workers broke their 10 day fast for fair food and justice on Ash Wednesday, Clifton Kirkpatrick called upon all Presbyterians to continue and augment the workers' efforts to bring Taco Bell and its tomato suppliers to the table for three way negotiations through our own prayers, fasting and advocacy. For a full report visit www.pcusa.org/boycott.

Witness for Fair Food at YUM! Brands Annual Meeting, May 15, 2003, Louisville

Presbyterians will have an opportunity to advocate for fair food during YUM! Brands Inc.'s annual meeting May 15, 2003. YUM! Brands is the parent company of Taco Bell. First, if you are a shareholder be sure to vote in favor of a shareholder resolution calling for YUM, the parent company of Taco Bell, to adopt comprehensive employment and environmental standards for their global operations. It is being sponsored by the Pension Board of the United Church of Christ, and is supported by many religious organizations including the Presbyterian Church (USA). Prior to the meeting, Presbyterians who are YUM shareholders will be sending proxies to the Coalition of Immokalee Workers so that workers can address shareholders at the meeting. For proxy information visit www.pcusa.org/boycott.

On May 15th, Presbyterians will be joining in a peaceful witness outside the corporate headquarters in Louisville. For those who cannot make it to Louisville, we ask that this be a day of prayer and letter-writing. For information on the peaceful witness and a sample letter to YUM visit www.pcusa.org/boycott.

The Rev. Noelle Damico
National Coordinator, Taco Bell Boycott Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) boycott@pcusa.org
631-751-7076

YOU CAN HELP THE IMMOKALEE FARM WORKERS WIN THEIR STRUGGLE FOR JUSTICE, RESPECT AND FAIR PAY. HERE'S HOW.

Your proxies are needed for two important matters. First, be sure to vote in favor of a shareholder resolution calling for YUM, the parent company of Taco Bell, to adopt comprehensive employment and environmental standards for their global operations. It is being sponsored by the Pension Board of the United Church of Christ, and is supported by many religious organizations including the Presbyterian Church (USA).

Second, please send your proxy before May 13, 2003 to:

Coalition of Immokalee Workers
Attn: Laura Germino
P.O. Box 603
Immokalee, FL 34143

Your proxy can then be used for a farm worker to attend the annual shareholders meeting of YUM on Thursday, May 15, 2003. This is important for many reasons. It provides the only opportunity for the farm workers to make their case directly to YUM's Board of Directors. Otherwise, the farm workers' compelling case for justice only reaches the top decision makers through management's filter. Secondly, shareholders and other YUM employees attending the meeting will be able to hear the farm workers' story first hand. This can build support and understanding within the company to offset the current recalcitrant posture of senior management. Thirdly, it brings public attention to this important matter. Fourthly, it bolsters the farm workers' morale by supporting their legitimate concerns.

If you have technical questions about the proxy voting procedure, and how to let a farm worker represent your stock at the annual meeting, feel free to contact me at 1-888-728-7228, ext. 5809, or by email at bsomplat@ctr.pcusa.org.

For additional information on the Taco Bell boycott and a peaceful witness during the YUM annual meeting in Louisville, visit www.pcusa.org/boycott.