As millennials, we might not watch the news as often as our parents, but when it comes to food- we know what’s happening. Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, founders of Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream are well-known within the foodie scene for their work for political and social change. They showed their support of Black Lives Matter, were arrested for protesting at the capital building, banned same flavor scoops for same sex marriage equality in Australia, and now Milk with Dignity.
In the past two years, a new campaign called Milk with Dignity began to influence the dairy industry following the tomato industry’s Fair Food Program. Recently, Jostein Solheim, CEO of Ben and Jerry’s, signed the Milk with Dignity agreement into action.
What is Milk with Dignity?
Leah Abernathy on Flickr
Ben & Jerry’s ice cream is made with no GMO’s, cage-free eggs, Fair Trade ingredients, and now Milk with Dignity. With the majority of milk supplied from within the state of Vermont, farmworkers play an important role in the making of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. Milk with Dignity is a campaign started in 2015 to combat the unsafe conditions, wage theft, and inhume housing for Vermont farmworkers. With this signed agreement, farmworkers will now be paid a minimum living wage.
Why Milk with Dignity Matters?
Nicolas Rénac on Flickr
Ben & Jerry’s is about more than a tasty product, they want to inspire people to take action and make a change in the world. As the first company in the dairy industry, Ben & Jerry’s is implementing a worker-driven human rights program; helping not only the farmworkers, but the farmers as well. Milk with Dignity is a step in the right direction for combating labor theft.
What happens next?
The Milk with Dignity campaign will continue to try and make changes in the dairy industry. Worker’s rights are important and while we might not think about it when we binge on a pint of ice cream, Ben & Jerry’s is continuing to advocate on their behalf.
Ben & Jerry’s isn’t just a company who produces great tasting ice cream, it’s a platform for social and political advocacy. Modern day slavery is real and happens all around us. While we may be unaware, corporations like Ben & Jerry’s are giving back and helping make a positive change in our world, whether it be a new flavor pint or a voice for those without one.