This year, Mother’s Day and World Fair Trade Day occur on the same weekend. So, if you’re looking for a Mother’s Day gift, consider buying Fair Trade Certified goods such as flowers, chocolate, coffee, clothing and jewelry.
Buying Fair Trade Certified goods help improve the lives of 1.4 million moms and families in developing countries. When consumers buy products certified by Fair Trade USA, they help moms like Joana. A mother and farm worker in Ecuador, Joana said her life was saved when the Fair Trade farm she works for invested its premiums in routine cancer screenings for women.
In 2011, Fair Trade USA certified a record 138 million pounds of Fair Trade Coffee from 22 different countries around the world. The money generated by the surge in consumer demand for ethically and sustainably sourced products is invested into farming businesses to build infrastructure and capacity, as well as into farming communities for schools, roads, health care and other development efforts.
Fair Trade goods can be found at most supermarkets like Whole Foods, Central Market, Trader Joe’s and organic sections of other grocery stores (even Costco). Just look for the logo!
Here’s a wonderfully healthy breakfast created by Ashley Koff, RD.
photo credit: Steve Galvin
Mama’s Morning Quinoa
Serves 4
• 1 cup Fair Trade Certified quinoa (rinse and dry before using)
• ½ cup fresh mint leaves, minced
• 1 tsp Fair Trade Certified dry ginger*
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup water
• 2 Tbsp toasted walnut oil
• 3 Tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 cup blueberries or grapes (shown)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts
For more info, check out this one-minute video about Fair Trade.
Till our next Happy Meal!
Photos supplied by Fair Trade USA
