Reports estimate that there are more than 2 million child laborers in the cacao sectors of the Ivory Coast and Ghana alone, countries which produce over 70% of the world’s cacao. The root cause of this problem is poverty. Farm families make roughly $2/day which is not enough to sustain them. The Equal Exchange alternative trade system is a different model that helps small farmers continue to produce cacao crops so that they can provide for their families.
Equal Exchange, our fair-trade partner, works with farmer cooperatives to bring the highest quality, organic products to congregations. By purchasing chocolate from a fair-trade alternative supply chain, you’re helping farmers to stay on their land, produce their crops, and plan for the future. And you are purchasing chocolate that doesn’t involve child labor in its production.
Consider making it a Fair Trade Halloween this year! Check out the chocolate options on the Fair Trade table in Fellowship Hall.
Mary Alice Masonick
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