This letter attempts to summarize conversations taking place at Full Belly Farm regarding sexual harassment in the workplace and in the food service industry as a whole. We are reflecting on these themes because we know that women are still not treated equally in our industry and sometimes face oppression and lack of equal opportunity. We are publishing this letter because it has come to our attention that some individuals are questioning the position of Full Belly Farm on this issue. If anyone is uncertain, we are taking this opportunity to set the record straight regarding the equality of women in the food service industry.
We are aware that the food service industry as a whole has a serious problem treating female staff with respect. We have personal friendships with many female chefs and restaurant employees, and we have many colleagues who work in restaurants. During the last year, we watched the reports from all over the country of female food workers who described their experiences at the hands of chefs and restaurant owners, and we were deeply moved that the stories came out and are being aired in the light of day. We believe these victims. We support them in telling their stories and in demanding that the men who wronged them step down from positions of power.
This discussion is important. Sexual oppression and harassment take place in agriculture as a whole as well as in the restaurant industry. This discussion is not just about the consequences that any one sexual predator or guilty individual should suffer. The industry as a whole has to change and it is our impression that this discussion is an important step in that direction. Sexual harassment and oppression are not acceptable anywhere.
Our management team is talking about the ways that we might be able to support all the women chefs, food service workers, farmers and others that we love, who have always had a harder time in the food and farming industry than is their due. We are very happy that a number of women leaders have won seats in the recent elections and we will support political change for women in any way that we can.
Full Belly Farm is a 50% woman-owned business. We have worked very hard for 30 years to create safe spaces and year-round employment for the women working at our farm. Through our efforts to produce healthy organic food, we hope to create community and impact people’s health and safety in positive ways. Our internship program has trained at least 100 women over the last 30 years, sending them on into their careers with strong role models and training them in practical skills that will stand them in good stead for the rest of their lives.
We welcome this conversation, although we prefer not to engage in further discussion on social media. Please visit the farm for a face-to-face discussion or respond to us through the contact information that is available on our web site.
Sincerely,
Full Belly Farm
