Christ Church has purchased Fair Trade Coffee
through UMCOR's (United Methodist Committee on Relief) Coffee Project,
and we are now serving fair trade French Roast coffee on Sunday
mornings.
The
UMCOR Coffee
Project links “congregations with small farmers and their
families through fair trade. It is a new way to help people in need
while enjoying fellowship and an excellent cup of coffee.
“United Methodist congregations that participate
are supporting practices which help farmers in Latin America, Africa,
and Asia earn a fairer share of income, obtain access to credit and
technical support, and gain a trading partner they can trust, a fair
trade organization called Equal Exchange.” UMCOR
Coffee Project website.
By participating in the UMCOR Coffee Project, we are making a difference. Fair Trade practices help
build pride, independence, and community empowerment for small farmers
and their families. By paying a fair price, they are able to provide
pre-harvest credit, and build a long-term partnership with the
farmers. Equal Exchange has provided the support and training
necessary for its members to rebuild in the wake of war or the
economic realities of the 1990's in Nicaragua, for example.
Since the introduction of fair trade practices in Mexico, the
incomes of over 2000 member families have doubled. The association
there has been able to establish the region's first public bus line,
in addition to building the only secondary school in the area as well
as a community health clinic. Along with a similar program in Peru, a
weekly radio program on gender issues, produced by female co-op
members and wives of members, has benefited that region.
This coffee is also available for sale at the
church’s office at $6 for a 10-oz bag.
