#118 Fairly traded coffee

I noticed an announcement in the newsletter from my home church (Church of the Brethren) that they are now using "fairly traded coffee" for the church social hour and events. The Inter-faith Coffee Program buys direct from the farmer. Then I saw in the WSJ that Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts and Procter and Gamble were also purchasing fairly traded coffee.

"By serving Equal Exchange fairly traded coffee at your place of worship, home or office, you can share fellowship with our neighbors in coffee-growing countries, making a difference in their lives while enjoying a delicious cup of coffee. Through the program, farmers earn a fair price for their products, receive affordable credit, and gain a long-term trading partner that they can trust. By pooling their resources in democratic cooperatives, farmers are able to invest in training, health care, and agricultural improvements in their communities. Every cup you serve helps these farmers as they build better lives for themselves and their families."