Fair Trade Milkshake

Chill out with a Fair Trade Milkshake!

Fair Trade vs Direct Trade

One of the most frequently asked questions I get is: What is the difference between Fair Trade and Direct Trade? Fairtrade America explains :

Fairtrade is a global system that adheres to rigorous, internationally agreed standards to ensure that the most vulnerable farmers and workers are empowered to improve their own lives. By choosing products that bear the FAIRTRADE Mark, you have an independent verification that the claims made by the company selling that product are grounded in concrete evidence.

     

Direct trade mainly is used in reference to coffee and implies a direct relationship between the farmer and the company (usually a coffee roaster). Direct trade and its principles of getting to know and appreciate farmers more is something that we applaud. However, there is no way to verify if a company/roaster’s claims of fair prices and good treatment are correct other than their own word.

     

Furthermore, although some roasters may deal directly with farmers they still rely on intermediaries like exporters and importers. Therefore, there are still multiple links in their supply chain.

Divine Chocolate

I recently visited my Father at Stanford Hospital. He's out now and recuperating. At the cafeteria was Fair Trade Divine Chocolate bars. Inside the wrapper was not only the delicious taste of justice, but there was message on the inside of the wrapper telling me about the Divine story. To celebrate their Ghanaian ownership, Divine packaging is decorated with traditional Western African symbols called Adinkras. You can see Adinkras all over Ghana, particularly on hand-made crafts and fabrics. Each has its own special meaning.

Small Acts

“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”  ― Mother Teresa

Fair Trade products at Draeger's

Draeger's market, located in Menlo Park and Los Altos, was founded by Gustave Draeger, who came to this country from Stettin, Prussia in 1903. From its humble beginnings as a store front deli to its proud new environment, Draeger's has never lost sight of its mission to provide the best in food, wine, and service which includes many and varied Fair Trade products such as coffee, ice cream, molasses, chocolate, rice and coconut oil. We thank Draeger’s for helping provide small farmers a fair wage for their products thereby improving their living and working conditions.

Fair Trade at North Market

Fair Trade Kicking Horse Coffee is available at the North Market Convenience Store in North San Jose. This small store is at 41 Rio Robles E near First Street and Tasman.

27th Annual International Gift Faire

27th Annual International Gift Faire returns to Lincoln Glen Church on October 16-17. Discover the Fair Trade gifts, home decor and jewelry and change the lives of families around the world.

Happy Labor Day!

Happy Labor Day!

We offer prayers for the dignity of all workers, in the U.S. and throughout the world.

barkTHINS

Recently found a Fair Trade and non-GMO product named barkTHINS at the Draegers grocery store in Los Altos. They contain Fair Trade dark chocolate, Fair Trade Sugar and Fair Trade Cocoa Butter. The farmers who provide the cocoa beans, sugar and cocoa butter are getting paid a fair price, following good agricultural practices, and investing in their farms and communities.