Social Concerns Column for Sunday, June 5, 2011

A poor man's field may produce abundant food, but injustice sweeps it away. -- Proverbs 13:23
Learn More About Fair Trade.
http://www.crsfairtrade.org

Fair Trade is about fair prices.  It’s about eliminating exploitative middlemen and sharing more of a product’s value with the people who made it.  Fair Trade is about being good stewards of the planet God gave us.   Catholic Relief Services’ Fair Trade program contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to marginalized producers and workers.  The CRS Fair Trade website helps you pray, learn, act, give (and receive!) in solidarity with artisans and farmers around the world.

Drink Fair Trade Coffee from Livermore Grocery Stores and Cafes. 
Experience great coffee from beans farmed in ecologically responsible ways.  Fair Trade Coffee is sold in all grocery stores in Livermore, in brands ranging from Folgers to Starbucks.  Look for the “Fair Trade Certified” symbol on the package.

Eat Fair Trade Chocolate from Livermore Grocery Stores. 
It is fair to farmers and wonderfully delicious!  We find “Divine” brand chocolate at many Livermore grocery stores, and also several Fair Trade Chocolate brands at Trader Joes.  Hmmmmm!

Give Fair Trade Gifts from Catholic Relief Services.
People love hand-crafted gifts and admire the cause you serve with your purchase.  Order a free catalog (1-800-685-7572) or shop online (www.crsfairtrade.org).

To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. -- Proverbs 21:3