THE MAYOR of Worcester is calling for the city’s residents, organisations and businesses to support a fairer deal for farmers by buying more Fairtrade branded products.
The Guildhall only supplies Fairtrade tea, coffee and sugar for all its meetings and events, prompting councillor Roger Knight to urge others to pledge similar action during ‘Fairtrade Fortnight’, which runs until Sunday, March 13.
The Worcester Trade Justice Network will be giving out free samples of Fairtrade products including chocolates, tea and coffee this Saturday from 1pm to 3pm outside the Guildhall to celebrate the fortnight.
The organisation is also running a poster competition with local schools, aiming to increase awareness about how food is produced and the effect UK price wars have on third world farmers, producers and communities.
Worcester City Council is also getting involved by hosting a Fairtrade bake-off event for staff on Friday, March 11.
The council will also host a Fairtrade quiz evening on Saturday, March 12 at 7pm in the Bromyard Road Methodist Church Hall in St. John’s, where all proceeds will go to Worcester Trade Justice Network’s campaigns.
Coun Knight said: “The people who grow the food we take for granted can’t always feed their own families because they are paid so little for the products they supply.
“I’m urging Worcester residents to show their generosity by taking a moment to look for the Fairtrade symbol on items they buy and by doing so we can help farmers get a fairer deal.”
The Fairtrade quiz costs £6 per head and includes soup and a ploughman’s supper.
Call Anthony Wood on 01905 351025 for more information.
