World Fair Trade Day, an initiative of the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO), is a worldwide festival of events celebrating fair trade as a tangible contribution to the fight against poverty, climate change and the economic crisis that has the greatest impact on the world’s most vulnerable populations. This year’s theme is “Fair Trade People”, meaning there is a strong emphasis on the farmers and producers of fair trade, as well as on us, the consumers.
Today we're celebrating World Fair Trade Day with Alaffia, Alter Eco, Divine Chocolate, Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps, Equal Exchange, Guayaki Yerba Mate and Maggie’s Organics. All these brands are committed to fair trade through their entire supply chains supporting small family farmers and trade justice policies.
Look for great deals on fair trade products at the Co-op today through May 20, when the manufacturers have agreed to donate 1 percent of purchases made at our Co-op to Root Capital. Root Capital is a nonprofit social investment fund that grows rural prosperity in poor, environmentally vulnerable places in Africa and Latin America by lending capital, delivering financial training, and strengthening market connections for small and growing agricultural businesses. The National Cooperative Grocers Association will be matching the manufacturers’ donations as well. Learn more about Root Capital atwww.rootcapital.org.
The WFTO is asking us, the consumers, to spread the word by making a poster using their online poster generating app and sharing it on social media. It’s simple! Visit www.wfto.com/wftday/people and upload a photo of yourself. Add your role in the fair trade movement—even if you don’t have a professional role, you’re still a “supporter” or a “campaigner”—and a message that you want to share with your friends. Click submit, and your poster will appear. Share your photo with the Moscow Food Co-op’s Facebook page for the chance to win a fair trade prize!