Fairness comes in a cup of coffee
The Seinäjoki parish partners with Fair Trade. In practice, this is reflected in the acquisition of products such as coffee, tea, cocoa, and honey, which are consumed in large quantities all year round.
“Just as an example, last year we served close to 1500 kilos of coffee, so choosing the right products is extremely important”, says the food service supervisor of the Seinäjoki parish Susanna Lavila.
The Seinäjoki parish has adopted Fair Trade products as part of a broader responsible procurement initiative. The parish has an environmental diploma and always prioritises local food and products.
When values meet
Seinäjoki’s location in a region known for food production is also reflected in the procurement of food services. For example, meat products for the parish are provided by Atria, and milk, creams and spreads are provided by Valio.
“I take great care in assuring that our buying choices support the food production of our own local area. It is important that the money stays in this region and supports our own primary production”, says Lavila.
According to Lavila, the values of Fair Trade align perfectly with the parish’s.
“Cultivating and preserving God’s creation, securing the sustainability of the environment, treasuring biodiversity and controlling climate change are all values at the base of the relationship between the Seinäjoki parish, Fair Trade and the environment.
A small act has great impact
The mission secretary of the Seinäjoki parish, Pia Ketola, considers the importance of buying Fair Trade products also from a fairness perspective.
“Fair Trade ensures a livelihood for the producers, prevents poverty and empowers the community to build infrastructure in their own local area. It also prevents child labour and forced labour, reinforces women’s status, and improves the food’s safety”, Ketola emphasises.
The Seinäjoki parish wants to stand as an example and encourage everyone to think about their own choices, for example, now that the Fair Trade Week is underway. “It would already make a difference if we could switch even just one single product to a Fair Trade one. It could even be some spice, tea, honey, or whatever”, says Lavila.
Picture: Matti Hautalahti
Text: Jaakko Jokela
Fair Trade
- Fair Trade is a certified organisation whose objective is to promote human rights, care for the environment and fairer trade. Fair Trade products are subject to production criteria, a guaranteed price, and a Fair Trade supplement. Compliance with the criteria is monitored independently.
- Fair Trade Weeks are an annual campaign whose theme this year (28.9.–11.10.) is “Signs of Fairness”, or the reliability of sustainability labels.