Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) Constitution:

This church shall advocate dignity and justice for all people, working for peace and reconciliation among the nations, and standing with the poor and powerless and committing itself to their needs. (Chapter 4.02c)

What is Fair Trade?

Fair Trade is a way of helping farmers and artisans so that they can earn a fairer wage for their work and products.

How does it work?

Fair Trade guarantees small farmers and artisans prices that exceed their production costs. Increased income helps these farmers and artisans feed their families, remain out of debt and keep their land.

Who suffers when laborers do not receive fair wages for their work?

• Children: Many families in poverty are forced to choose between sending a child to school or to work. But when adults can earn a fair wage for their work the need to send a child work is greatly reduced.
• Women: Most Fair Trade cooperatives have policies that encourage women to be members and take on leadership roles. This helps women assert their rights and gives them opportunity to provide for their families.

How do you know that a product is Fair Trade?

The Fair Trade Labeling Organization sets standards for fair trade. Check for a label to make sure the products you buy are fair trade certified. View the label.

What products can I buy that are Fair Trade?

The Lutheran World Relief (LWR) supports a number of Fair Trade products:

• Coffee: Equal Exchange coffee can be purchased in some grocery stores or through LWR.
• Chocolate: Day Chocolate Company sells Fair Trade chocolate. Contact LWR to order. (Those of us in warmer climates cannot order chocolate in summer months because it will melt!)
• Handicrafts: By supporting the LWR Handcraft Project you can help artisans who benefit from the fair prices they receive from their creations.
• Palms: Purchase Eco-Palms through LWR for Palm Sunday.

Look for Fair Trade Products:

• In grocery stores such as Whole Foods
• At stores such as Ten Thousand Villages
• In coffee shops (ask your server for Fair Trade Coffee)

What can you do?

• Get your church to serve Fair Trade Coffee during Sunday coffee hour.
• Order bags of Fair Trade coffee to sell to church members, co-workers, etc.
• Host a Fair Trade Arts and Crafts sale at your church.
• Encourage others to purchase Fair Trade items as Christmas gifts
• Petition your local coffee shops and grocery stores to carry Fair Trade goods

Learn More about Fair Trade

• Read LWR’s Paper, Why Should People of Faith be Talking About Trade?
• See LWR’s web page on Fair Trade

*Material for this web page was adapted from Lutheran World Relief resources.