MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries (ADAI) was proud to host its much-anticipated Annual Tomato Sandwich Lunch on June 24, welcoming guests from across the state to celebrate one of Alabama’s tastiest traditions and the peak of the summer growing season.
The lunch spotlighted Alabama-grown tomatoes, sweet corn and lettuce. It also showcased several products manufactured in Alabama including, Golden Flake chips, Blue Bell ice cream, Flowers Bakery bread, Milo’s tea and Buffalo Rock soft drinks. From farmers and agricultural leaders to lawmakers and local food lovers, everyone was gathered in appreciation of the hardworking farmers and producers who bring fresh, flavorful products to our tables.
“The Tomato Sandwich Lunch is more than a meal. It’s a celebration of our state’s agricultural commodities and to highlight the importance of supporting local farmers,” said Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate. “There’s nothing quite like Alabama-grown produce in the summertime and then having the opportunity to purchase locally grown products just steps away at the Sweet Grown Alabama Farmers Market.”
The event also served as an opportunity to feature the Sweet Grown Alabama program, which promotes locally grown and caught products and encourages consumers to buy from Alabama farmers and fishermen. The Sweet Grown Alabama team hosted a pop-up farmers market just outside the Tomato Sandwich Lunch as an exclusive opportunity for members of the program. Attendees had the chance to browse and purchase a variety of local products, including produce, beef, pork, honey, jams and jellies, pecans and more. Visit sweetgrownalabama.org to find local products near you.
ADAI’s annual tomato sandwich lunch is part of a broader effort to raise awareness about the importance of agriculture in Alabama’s economy and communities. It also pays tribute to the hardworking growers who produce the products we enjoy.
The 2026 Tomato Sandwich Lunch sponsors included:
- McKenzie Farms, Fairhope (corn)
- Aplin Farms, Slocomb (tomatoes)
- Extreme Green Farms, Auburn (lettuce)
- Flowers Bakery (bread)
- Milo’s Tea (tea, lemonade)
- Bud’s Best Cookies (cookies)
- Buffalo Rock (Pepsi, bottled water)
- Blue Bell (ice cream)
- Utz (chips)
- Golden Flake (chips)
- Mehearg Farms, Wetumpka (flowers)
- Wrights Produce, Montgomery (ferns, flowers)
- Alabama Grocers Association