Social Concerns Column for August 26, 2012

A poor man's field may produce abundant food, but injustice sweeps it away. -- Proverbs 13:23

Our Bishops Promote Fair Trade.  The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops promotes fair trade around the world through their global outreach agency, Catholic Relief Services.  Visit their website at: www.crsfairtrade.org

What is Fair Trade?  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.

Enjoy 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). 

Fair Trade Gift Sale Coming this Autumn to St. Michael.  Back by popular demand, the Social Concerns Ministry will once again host a Fair Trade gift sale!  Our goals are (1) to directly help the artisans by selling their products, (2) raise awareness of Fair Trade, and (3) provide you with high quality, affordable and unusual gifts in time for Christmas.

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