Cesar Chavez’s 36-Day Fast and UFW Boycott of Grapes
It took a drastic 36-day fast by Cesar Chavez to focus in on a serious health hazard that threatens all our lives.
I doubt whether anyone would knowingly buy and eat produce that has been sprayed with pesticides that might be carcinogenic.
Not only do we owe Chavez, president of the United Farm Workers of America, a great debt but to the farm workers and their families who have endured great physical and economic suffering and hardship--who are exposed daily to these chemicals.
It is incumbent upon consumers to support the grape boycott and get the message across to the supermarket executives to stop selling foods which are detrimental not only to our health but to the farm workers who work under some of the most adverse conditions. There are no air-conditioners in the fields and it was not until they began to organize the union that there was no water or toilets.
Cesar Chavez deserves not only our cooperation by boycotting grapes but our gratitude and thanks, which is little enough to ask.
LILLIAN K. DAVIS
Los Angeles
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