Started by Senator Hugh Webster in the 1990s, every other year during the long session the General Assembly has ‘Tomato Sandwich Day’. 
Today from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Court of the Legislative Building, fresh tomatoes from Iseley Farms in Burlington are available to lawmakers, staff, and visitors alike. The fixings for the sandwiches include old-fashioned white bread and Duke’s mayonnaise along with salt and pepper. While Senator Webster is no longer serving in the legislature, the most recent Tomato Sandwich Days have been hosted by Senator Rick Gunn of Burlington.
“I got up here and had heard about it and it just sounded like a great idea for me to continue Tomato Sandwich Day,” said Gunn, who personally pays for the food. Senator Gunn will be serving German Johnson tomatoes from a local farm in Alamance County. Along with the 300 pounds of tomatoes, Gunn also brings around 70 loaves of white bread for the event.
If you happen to be at the General Assembly today, help yourself to a southern tradition at Tomato Sandwich Day!
