Dear Green American, As families gather around to enjoy movie nights with freshly popped Orville Redenbacher's or Act II popcorn, there's an unwelcome ingredient that wasn't on anyone's wish list: toxic pesticides. The Holiday Spirit of Protecting Our Future Just as we come together to celebrate the season of giving, we're calling on ConAgra to give something truly meaningful: a commitment to food safety and environmental health. The company behind our favorite holiday snacks is failing to address one of the most critical threats to our food system and public health: the widespread use of toxic pesticides. ConAgra's continued use of neonicotinoid-coated seeds isn't just a Grinch stealing from bee populations – it's putting human health at risk. A Season of Hope and Action The statistics are as sobering as a winter's night: one-third of every bite we eat relies on pollinators, yet since the 1990s, U.S. agriculture has become 48 times more toxic to insect life. These neonicotinoid pesticides don't just stay on the seeds – they persist in our soil and water, leaving a lasting impact long after the holiday decorations come down. Scientific studies have revealed a troubling picture: neonicotinoid exposure is linked to developmental impacts in children, adverse effects on the nervous system, and potential endocrine disruption. Farmworkers and rural communities face even greater risks – a heavy burden during a season that should be about joy and connection. That's why Conagra needs to hear from tens of thousands of consumers urging the company to end the use of toxic neonicotinoids on seeds. Consumer pressure has moved other food companies to drop pesticides. It can move Conagra too. Our Collective Gift to the Future Other major food companies have already taken meaningful steps to eliminate these toxic seed coatings. It's time for ConAgra to join in this spirit of positive change. These pesticides provide minimal benefits to farmers while posing significant risks to our environment and health. This holiday season, we're asking ConAgra to give a gift that truly matters: a commitment to a safer, healthier food system. Our children's future, our communities' health, and the delicate balance of our ecosystem are depending on it. Together, we can create lasting change – one bowl of popcorn at a time. Tell ConAgra to stop using bee-killing, health-harming seed coatings and protect our families and food security! |
