The UMCOR Coffee Project, in partnership with Equal Exchange, is a service project of BUMC. Products are available for purchase on Sunday morning. It's our service project- not a fund raiser.   We sell the products as close to cost as possible, thereby eliminating the middle person and making it more affordable for the consumer while increasing the demand for the farmers' products.   It's a win/win situation for everyone!

 

 

Equal Exchange has created Big Change since 1986. Our founders envisioned a food system that empowers farmers and consumers, supports small farmer co-ops, and uses sustainable farming methods. They started with fairly traded coffee from Nicaragua and didn't look back.

Today, we continue to find new and powerful ways to build a better food system. We partner with co-operatives of farmers who provide high-quality organic coffees, teas, chocolates and snacks from all over the world, including here in the United States.

We invite you to join us. Together we can create stronger local communities, a more just food system and a healthier planet.

 

INFORMATION FROM EQUAL EXCHANGE SPRING NEWSLETTER written by church member Sandra Pascoe Robinson:

• Education: Presentations were made to adults and youth to answer what is Fair Trade and why it is important. Using EE’s resources of FT table tents, Agent of Change DVD, and pamphlets made our task easier.
   
• Enthusiasm: Enthusiasm was generated once the impact of FT was understood. Our church council voted to serve FT coffee at our fellowship gatherings. Our youth sold Christmas mugs with FT items and included an UMCOR/EE info pamphlet to help educate the receiver of the gift. “Taste the World” offered a monthly opportunity to buy bulk coffee from Mexico, Peru, El Salvador, Nicaragua and other countries. We even had a coffee house with poetry readings, serving FT coffee and FT cocoa brownies.
   
• Every Sunday: It's crucial to make the coffee available every week. People appreciate knowing they'll be able to purchase their items consistently. During the week, church staff sells items upon request.
   
• Easy: Our FT coffee, tea and chocolate supplies are placed on a portable cart. It's easy to bring the items into the narthex (lobby) to sell. Each item has a price sticker so the person selling or buying knows the correct amount.

• UMCOR Coffee Project Brochure (pdf file)
• UMCOR website
• Equal Exchange Website