[Tomato Tuesday] 5 Ways to Keep Spreading Tomato Love

I don't know about you, but I had an extra bounce in my step on July 24th. I was proud that every second of the day, someone was reading a post about slave-free tomatoes and taking action to change the food system.

In 24 hours, food bloggers produced over 50 blog posts, hundreds of tweets and retweets (bordering on thousands), and there were so many #slavefreetomatoes hashtags it was hard to keep up!

And people noticed.

Over 500 of them sent letters to CEOs!

I read many of the comments left on the blog posts and saw several common sentiments: "I didn't know this was happening." "Thank you for bringing attention to this issue." "I sent my letter!" It proves what I believed all along: That people who care about eating good food also care about our food system, and that all people need to take action is the information.

But how to we proceed now that the adrenaline of Tomato Tuesday has dissolved back into our daily routines?

The first step is to feel proud of what we've accomplished. Summer has just begun, and already the issue of slave-free tomatoes has gained tremendous momentum.

The second step is to continue maintaining the awareness we've spread. If you're looking for even more ways stay involved, here's how to do it.

5 Ways to Keep Spreading Tomato Love

1. If you haven't already, send this letter to supermarket CEOs. It's the easiest awy to make a difference in less than 30 seconds.

2. Vote for the Slave-Free Tomatoes campaign on GOOD Maker. If the event gets the most votes by TOMORROW, August 1, International Justice Mission will receive $1,000! It's fast and free, so please take a minute to cast your vote.

3. Although the event is over, the Recipe for Change campaign will continue throughout the summer. Whenever you see the #slavefreetomatoes or #R4C hashtags, retweet to keep spreading the word!

4. Send a letter to the editor. IJM has a great guide.

5. Re-live the day on Storify.

Food Bloggers for Slave-Free Tomatoes

On July 24, 2012, over 50 bloggers donated their posts to the fight for justice in U.S. tomato fields in support of International Justice Mission's summer campaign, Recipe for Change.

Storified by · Thu, Jul 26 2012 10:56:17

undefinedFbcdn

FACT: There are families forced to work as slaves in tomato fields right here in the U.S. Learn more: http://bit.ly/R4aqck #R4CJustice Campaigns

Food Bloggers for Slave-Free TomatoesNicole Gulotta

BLOGGERS PLEDGED TO DONATE THEIR POSTS TO THE CAUSE

Many thanks to @sarahkieffer for her lovely post on #slavefreetomatoes. Excited for 7/24! http://awe.sm/f1OLp #R4CThe Giving Table

RT @thegivingtable: Good news ahead of #slavefreetomatoes: More Americans believe their choices make a difference! From @grist by @twyspy http://ow.ly/cjbGIElizabeth Southerlan

@sweetnsnazzy @acookgrowsinBK @e2gather and @savorysimple have joined the #slavefreetomatoes team. Welcome to you all!The Giving Table

The countdown has begun. Only 6 days to go! Who's excited about #slavefreetomatoes next week? http://ow.ly/clgmGThe Giving Table

ANTICIPATION BUILDS

Making pizza for Tuesday's tomato post. Oven running at full whack, makes for a very hot apt, but totally worth it. #slavefreetomatoescarrie king

Getting ready #slavefreetomatoes http://instagr.am/p/NbghvvIgyg/Laura

Oh baby, this #slavefreetomatoes post might be my most indulgent, ever. Phew. Time for a second workout.Kelsey

Just have to finish making my chicken tortilla soup to post my recipe for #slavefreetomatoes! for @thegivingtable @IjmHQElisaAverageAdvocate

Compelling book. RT @thegivingtable: Currently reading Tomatoland: "Poverty and misery are the perfect recipe for slavery." #R4CNicole Gulotta

The food system is about to change. Tomorrow, food bloggers are taking action for #slavefreetomatoes and #R4C! http://ow.ly/cp7SMThe Giving Table

$20 worth of heirloom tomato goodness, prepping for a post tomorrow. http://instagr.am/p/NcJZb-Qhb2/Nicole Franzen

Sneak peek at tomorrows post for #slavefreetomatoes http://instagr.am/p/Nc3g4ZM1pA/Nicole Gulotta

TOMATO TUESDAY | JULY 24, 2012

Sweet Onion Panzanella Salad + The Real Cost of Tomatoes http://bit.ly/M6EZjM #slavefreetomatoes #R4CEveryday Maven

Food Blog - Corn, Basil and Tomato Salad...#SlaveFreeTomatoes~: My sweet friend, Cassie, of Bake Your Day, has a... http://bit.ly/Oq0QNpJust Food Tweets

New Post for Tomato Tuesday! Roasted Corn and Basil Stuffed Tomatoes http://pinchofyum.com/roasted-corn-and-basil-stuffed-tomatoes @thegivingtable #slavefreetomatoes #R4CLindsay

Tomato caprese salad http://www.savorysimple.net/orzo-caprese-salad/ #tomatolove #slavefreetomatoes #R4C #recipes #food #photography #foodpornJennifer Farley

A pizza margherita and a note about #slavefreetomatoes. Thanks to @thegivingtable for raising awareness. New post: http://www.acookgrowsinbrooklyn.com/2012/07/pizza-margherita-and-value-of-tomato.htmlcarrie king

love that my #googlereader is infiltrated by #slavefreetomatoes posts today. @thegivingtableHalle Rubnitz

Barely 7 am and I'm already so moved by all your incredible #slavefreetomatoes posts. We WILL make a difference! cc: @IJMcampaigns #R4CThe Giving Table

Shopping for #slavefreetomatoes that will be made into something yummy for Earthsprout! http://instagr.am/p/Nd1ZmADZrJ/Elenore Bendel Zahn

Support #slavefreetomatoes! Great awareness campagin by bloggers. @laura_mess gives you the rundown + sweet recipe http://www.thefirstmess.com/2012/07/24/grilled-vegetables-roasted-tomato-vinaigrette-recipe/Michelle

RT @londonbakes: Mine too! RT @laura_mess There are so many inspiring and delicious #slavefreetomatoes posts in my google reader right now. Big love.sarah kieffer

multiple slave-free tomato posts in my reader today, all encouraged by @thegivingtable . blogging with purpose. #slavefreetomatoeserin boyle

Do you know where your tomatoes come from? Slavery is still happening in Florida fields -- but you can do something about it. New post at the blog today! #slavefreetomatoesFoodloves

Joining with @thegivingtable 2 advocate for #slavefreetomatoes. Will u join? Plus a recipe for change—panzanella. http://thefauxmartha.com/2012/07/24/slave-free-tomatoes-panzanella/ #R4CMelissa Coleman

@thegivingtable #Recipe for Fresh Tomato Dipping Sauce using #slavefreetomatoes: http://www.anediblemosaic.com/?p=9955! #R4CFaith GorskySafarini

Caprese Couscous Salad in Tomato Cups #slavefreetomatoes #tomatolove #r4c http://bit.ly/OsS8OlCassie Laemmli

It's 10 Ways Tuesday and I've got creative #recipes for cooking with tomatoes! #slavefreetomatoes http://www.ladomestique.com/2012/07/24/10-ways-tuesday-tomatoes/Jess O'Toole

Sign said Home Grown Tomatoes. Recipe is @Cooking_Light's. This is about doing the right thing. #SlaveFreeTomatoes http://bit.ly/M713dQChristiane

Tomato and Basil Soba Noodles and a campaign to ensure #slavefreetomatoes in every supermarket from @ijmhq http://www.acouplecooks.com/2012/07/tomato-and-basil-soba-noodles/a Couple Cooks

We live in the US but did you know slavery still occurs? It's what moved me to create this recipe - #slavefreetomatoes http://wp.me/p1EsGb-otAmanda Paa

roasted serrano salsa. #slavefreetomatoesSara Forte

A recipe for gazpacho and how you can help end modern day slavery in U.S. tomato fields: http://adrienneats.blogspot.com/2012/07/tomato-tuesday.html #slavefreetomatoesadrienneats

At What Price Tomatoes? http://www.knife-fork-spoon.com/?p=465 #slavefreetomatoes #R4C #gardeningKnittingPurls

@thegivingtable Didn't see your post earlier or would have participated, but think #slavefreetomatoes campaign is amazing!Nick Beard

Lovvve! RT @SavorySimple: {new post} Orzo Caprese Salad #tomatolove #slavefreetomatoes #R4C http://fb.me/1xzb0r8ppCassie Laemmli

Slave-Free Tomato Day unites food bloggers [VIDEO] - Minneapolis Restaurants and Dining - The Hot DishDo you know where your tomatoes come from? The red-fleshed, savory fruit can be found year round on the shelves of every major grocery st...

Food Bloggers for Slave-Free TomatoesBloggers from around the country donated their post on July 24, 2012 to the fight for slave-free tomatoes.

WHAT AN AMAZING DAY!

Raising a virtual glass to all who contributed to #slavefreetomatoes today. Proud to fight alongside such a passionate group. #R4CThe Giving Table

Food Bloggers for Slave-Free TomatoesPinterest