Koo-koo for fair trade cocoa

Idea exchange
February 2004

Koo-koo for fair trade cocoa
You don't send me flowers . . . anymore

Koo-koo for fair trade cocoa
In 2001, child slavery and widespread child labor on cocoa farms were reported by the U.S. State Department and the International Labor Organization. The U.S. chocolate industry agreed to take action only after intense pressure from consumers and even Congress. Unfortunately, the industry's plan is woefully inadequate, according to advocates for Global Exchange, because it keeps producers too poor to meet their labor costs or basic needs.

The solution, says Global Exchange, is fair trade, which gives cocoa farmers the minimum price they need to feed their families and send their kids to school. Global exchange reports: "M&M/Mars is the world's biggest chocolate company and rakes in almost $100 million yearly from M&M's alone. Yet, they have refused to buy Fair Trade cocoa despite growing requests from chocolate lovers of all ages.

"This Valentine's Day, we need to make it clear that we will no longer tolerate the heartbreaking excuses and exploitation from M&M/Mars. Join us to demand Fair Trade from M&M/Mars on Valentine's Day in 2004!"

Global Exchange asks chocolate loves to:

1. RALLY for Fair Trade in M&M/Mars' backyard
M&M/Mars has facilities across the country. We need people in these areas to rally to demand corporate accountability from their exploitative corporate neighbor. Contact Global Exchange if you live around one of these cities and want to help out:

Albany, GA
Burr Ridge, IL
Chicago, IL
Cleveland, TN
Columbia, SC
Columbus, OH
Elizabethtown, PA
Greenville, TX
Hackettstown, NJ
Henderson, NV
Las Vegas, NV
Mattoon, IL
McLean, VA (Washington, DC area)
Reno, NV
Vernon, CA
Waco, TX

2. Collect Fair Trade VALENTINES to send to M&M/Mars
Organize in your school, faith-based group, community organization and neighborhood to make Valentines telling M &M/ Mars: "Abusive child labor and poverty are heartbreaking. Have a heart and sell Fair Trade!" Contact Global Exchange to let us know you're interested, and to get ideas and assistance.

3. Sell Fair Trade chocolate and cocoa products for fundraising and get stores to stock them in time for Valentine's Day
Chocolate is a number one Valentine's Day gift. Let's make sure Fair Trade products top the sales charts this year! Fair Trade chocolate and cocoa fundraisers are perfect for schools, faith-based groups, clubs, and organizations! All concerned chocolate lovers can ask local stores to stock Fair Trade chocolate and cocoa. To make this super easy, we've pulled together a product list from 100 percent Fair Trade companies offering wholesale prices, and have a guide for talking with local retailers. Contact Global Exchange for info and assistance.

For more information:
Bittersweet chocolate

Contact: melissa@globalexchange.org

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