The Slow Food USA Blog

World Fair Trade Day

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by Slow Food USA Intern Melissa Rosenberg

World Fair Trade Day is just around the corner, on May 9th.  The festivities will begin at first light, with a single drummer in New Zealand, and end in Samoa at last light. Initiated in Tanzania in 2001, the celebration has evolved into a 48-hour global event. The day is a tribute to the people and organizations dedicated to improving the lives of producers, consumers, and the environment.

Here in the U.S. the theme is “Everything is Better When It’s Fair.”
Indeed it is: not only does Fair Trade provide fair wages for farmers, and a healthier future for our planet, but also more flavorful products for us to enjoy. 

Across the country, thousands will unite to take a Fair Trade break. The more the merrier! Meet up with people in your neck of the woods to savor a cup of Fair Trade coffee, and help surpass last year’s world record for the World’s Largest Fair Trade Coffee Break. And if coffee isn’t your cup of tea, don’t worry, you can still join in. Raise a glass of freshly squeezed lemonade made with Fair Trade sugar, or snack on some homemade brownies whipped up using Fair Trade chocolate and vanilla.

This is just a small glimpse of the day’s revelry; to find out about breaks and other activities scheduled in your community, or to learn how to organize your own, click here.

If you are a student, and want to get involved, click here for resources and a Student Action Guide.