The Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries (ADAI) hosted its 22nd Annual Tomato Sandwich Lunch on Wednesday in Montgomery, paying tribute to the hardworking farmers who cultivate crops across the state.
The gathering in particular spotlighted Alabama-grown tomatoes, sweet corn, onions, and lettuce. It also featured several products manufactured in Alabama, including Golden Flake chips, Blue Bell Ice cream, Flowers Bakery bread, Milo’s tea, and Buffalo Rock soft drinks.
“The Tomato Sandwich Lunch is more than a meal. It’s a celebration of our state’s agricultural communities and 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.”
While the lunch is focused on honoring Alabama’s farmers and producers, another facet of the event also takes center stage.
Each year, the function’s continued success is confirmed by its yearly guest list, often featuring a ‘who’s who’ of Alabama politics. From state political figures to candidates who are kicking off their campaigns for 2026, this year’s gathering did not disappoint.
On hand for the event were:
Candidate for Secretary of State- Caroleene Dobson
Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries and candidate for Lt. Governor– Rick Pate
Candidate for State Auditor– Derek Chen
Alabama State Superintendent– Eric Mackey
Candidate for Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries– Christina McInnis
State Senator District 34 and candidate for Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries– Jack Williams
Place 1 Commissioner on the Alabama Public Service Commission– Jeremy Oden
Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals– Judge Richard Minor
Blount County District Attorney and candidate for Attorney General– Pamela Casey
Alabama Civil Appeals Court– Judge Matt Fridy
Alabama Supreme Court– Justice Will Sellers
State Senator District 15– Dan Roberts
Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals– Judge Rich Anderson
State Senator District 34– Doug Harwell
State Senator District 25– Will Barfoot
State Senator District 13– Randy Price
Alabama Supreme Court– Justice Brad Mendheim
With an ever-growing list of important political attendees, the Annual Tomato Sandwich Lunch will continue to be one of the premier events on campaign schedules throughout Alabama.
Austen Shipley is the News Director for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten
