Co-op spreads the word about Fairtrade

Fairtrade Fortnight, which runs until March 12, is an annual event that supports underpaid farmers and food producers in developing countries.

The Co-op has long been a supporter of Fairtrade, and the Co-operative Food supermarket in Chipping Norton is getting involved by transforming its shop floor into a Fairtrade classroom.

The store is hosting sampling sessions and assemblies to teach children from The Town Nursery and John Hampden Primary School about the difference selling fairly traded products makes to Fairtrade producers.

Children who visit any of the six Oxfordshire supermarkets wearing school uniform will also receive a free Fairtrade banana as part of the relaunch of Free Fruit Friday during Fairtrade Fortnight.

The supermarkets are also introducing a Fairtrade Shopping List recipe booklet on Wednesday, March 8, to tie in with the event’s theme of Take a Fairtrade Break.

The booklet, which includes offers on Fairtrade products and recipes for dishes using fairly sourced products, is available in the Co-op’s Oxfordshire supermarkets.

The Co-operative Childcare in Oxfordshire will also host a Fairtrade break, where children and their parents can sample Fairtrade food.

Midcounties Co-operative spokesman Mark Adams said: “Supporting Fairtrade Fortnight is important to raise awareness that the food on our tables and the tea and coffee in our mugs comes from farmers and food producers across the world, all of which should be fairly paid.”