Articles
The Citizen-Consumer Dilemma: Part Two Continued
In Part One of the Citizen-Consumer Dilemma series, we described key problems we need to address, challenge and solve if we want to create a just food system. In Part Two, post one, we dug into the successes and failures of Fair Trade and Certifications as food system reforms. And now, we look to Food Co-ops and Boycotts.
The Citizen-Consumer Dilemma: Part Two
Fortunately, there have been movements and models that have attempted to address, challenge and change food system problems and create food justice, solidarity, and authentic citizen-consumer actions. Over the next two posts, we will examine and analyze four different reforms spawned by these movements.
What is a Co-op, Anyway?
Throughout history, people have organized with each other to achieve the goals that they share. But what does “cooperative” mean when applied to a business?
The History of Equal Exchange
Fairness to farmers. A closer connection between people and the farmers we all rely on. This was the essence of the vision that the three Equal Exchange founders held in their minds and hearts as they stood together on a metaphorical cliff back in 1986.
The Art (and Science!) of Chocolate and Coffee Pairing
Enjoy a few of our pairing selections by yourself – or invite a few of your friends over for a pairing event!
Fundraising with Equal Exchange
There are lots of opportunities to raise money while supporting authentic Fair Trade. Here are some suggestions to try out with your community group, school, club, or congregation.
Fair Trade Talking Points
Want to get others on board supporting an independent food system with a company that pays small-scale growers fairly? What if people ask tough questions?
Groups Sharing Cases of Equal Exchange Products
Groups buying and sharing cases of products together is an alternative way of purchasing food and other goods, instead of buying individually at a store or from an online corporate giant.
Hot Chocolate Bar with Toppings
Winter days and bad weather mean… hot chocolate season! Share a steaming cup of cocoa with friends, dressed up with custom toppings. Line up your favorite fixings and gather a group for a DIY hot chocolate bar.
Get Inspired with Holiday Gift Baskets
Support your community and small-scale farmers around the world by offering conscious consumers meaningful and unique gift basket options. Consumable gifts like coffee, tea and chocolate are wonderful because they won’t collect dust on a shelf and are good gifts for “the person who has everything”.
The Basic Elements of Coffee Brewing
As you brew with care, you honor the hard work of our small-scale farmer partners and join a community of Equal Exchange coffee lovers. Here are the basic elements of coffee brewing.
Choosing Coffee to Serve Your Group
Equal Exchange offers congregations and community groups a convenient, affordable way to serve coffee that's aligned with their values and promotes justice. Here’s a quick guide to choosing the right coffee to serve to your group.
Coffee Prices: What Does Transparency Mean?
Buyers, importers, roasters and consumers of specialty coffee are having a big and important conversation right now about coffee prices. We all wonder the same thing when we drink that amazing aromatic beverage. How much of what I’m paying gets back to the producer’s pocket?
Our Model: Authentic Fair Trade
Fair Trade is a way of doing business that ultimately aims to keep small farmers an active part of the world marketplace, and aims to empower consumers to make purchases that support their values.
Why Switch to Fair Trade, Organic Coffee?
When it comes to drinking ethically-sourced coffee, you have a choice if you’re at home, but how can you get your church, office, or school to start serving Equal Exchange’s organic, fairly traded coffee?
Inspiration for Your Holiday Sale
We collected some of our favorite creative, yet simple display ideas for holiday sales during Christmas, Hanukkah and beyond!
Coordinator Extraordinaire: Dorothy Killebrew and Grandview UMC
Dorothy Killebrew is a member of Grandview United Methodist Church in Lancaster, PA, one of Equal Exchange’s top faith-based accounts. Hear from Dorothy on how her congregation connects with fair trade and social justice.
Your Fair Trade Holiday Sale Made Easy
A holiday sale is a great way to bring fair trade gift options to your community. Whether you’re raising money for your group’s projects or and encouraging folks to engage in ethical gift purchasing with a social justice mission, here are some of our best tips for a successful table sale!
Scott Williams and his Extraordinary Team at Central Christian Church
Scott Williams of the Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Lebanon, Indiana, started learning about marginalized groups in Central America after 2001, when he visited Honduras with his son, Andy and friends on their first trip abroad.
Sara Anderson: Coordinator Extraordinaire at UU Church of Arlington
Sara Anderson, a member of the UU Church of Arlington, VA shared the story of how her church community got involved with fair trade and how they use the profits from their Equal Exchange sales in a tremendously giving way.