Fair Trade Coffee Promotes Justice

Instead of buying coffee from supermarkets or plopping down money for a cup of java at the local coffee shop, why not consider becoming part of the fair trade movement?

To help spread awareness of fair trade, the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee (CRWRC) and the CRC’s Office of Social Justice are participating in a program that purchases Brew Justice coffee. It tastes good and helps those who raise it at the same time.

“The money will go to fund justice projects in the CRC -- probably things like the Green Grant,” says Kate Kooyman, congregational social justice mobilizer for the church. The Green Grant project provides grants to CRC congregations that are undertaking eco-friendly projects.

“We look at it this as an educational opportunity about why fair trade is good for farmers, what it has to do with our faith, how we can make small changes to our daily lives to follow God's call to do justice,” says Kooyman.

Brew Justice coffee is described as a robust blend of Mexican medium and dark roasts, with a rich, full body and lasting flavor. The coffee is roasted specially by Higher Grounds Trading Co. in Traverse City, Mich.

With every purchase of Brew Justice fair trade coffee, a congregation supports CRWRC and CRC justice programming -- not to mention providing a fair wage and opportunities for a coffee farmer in a developing nation.

Fair trade is a fast-growing alternative market that looks to provide better wages and greater social justice to small farmers around the world. When you buy fair trade coffee, “you’re saying that you don’t want to exploit the person who worked to create your product,” says the CRC’s Office of Social Justice.

“You’re saying that you’re willing to spend an extra few cents on your end, so that a producer in a developing country can have a chance to feed, clothe and educate her family. You’re saying that your consumer power can be used to promote environmental sustainability and social justice.”

Many resources are available to help churches learn more about fair trade coffee. The Office of Social Justice can assist churches in learning more, in bringing fair trade coffee to a church’s fellowship hour, in holding a fair trade fundraiser, and more. Visit the OSJ’s fair trade page to learn more about the importance of buying fair trade.

“Once a profitable commodity, today coffee brings in one-quarter of the income that was earned in 1960 from the same amount of coffee beans,” says the website.

Brew Justice is currently sold only in the U.S., but Canadian churches are urged to visit transfair.ca for fair trade coffee in their area.

The fair trade coffee is part of a CRC project, but should not take away from others that are already supporting farmers and fairly-traded goods through other means.

“We tell the people who have been enjoying the coffee grown through the Farmer to Farmer program (Partners Worldwide) that they should keep doing that,” says Kooyman.

And churches that have for a long time been buying their coffee from Global Gifts on 28th Street in Grand Rapids, Mich., should keep doing that.

“Brew Justice is meant to be an easy way to introduce new people and churches to buying fair trade,” says Kooyman.

Brew Justice is available in dark, medium, and decaf roasts. Orders can be for pre-ground or whole bean. Individuals can order a one-pound bag from Higher Grounds for $10, plus shipping. Churches can make bulk orders by ordering five-pound bags for $36.25, plus shipping. By ordering coffee from Higher Grounds, you are helping the farmers in the fields. But you can also sell Brew Justice to support your church group or mission group.

The CRC will be given part of the proceeds from these purchases.

In the US, contact Kate Kooyman at (616) 241-1691 x236 or [email protected]. In Canada, contact Karen Bokma: [email protected] or 1-800-730-3490 for more information.

CRC Communications