Behind The Scenes with E&M

How Fair Trade Can Benefit the Least of These

Have you ever considered how ethical consumerism such as shopping for Fair Trade products can benefit the least of these?  As Matthew 25:40 tells us  ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’  So how can ethical Fair Trade products help us benefit the poor as Jesus asks of us?

In this Bible verse, Jesus is talking about those with a variety of needs such as being hungry, thirsty, in prison, or impoverished  or being  sick.  When we talk about helping the needy  it is easy to see why Fair Trade can help.  

First, there are no sweatshops in Fair Trade businesses.  Artisans are paid a fair wage for their work so that they are able to help care for their families with medical care when they are sick  and provide food when their families are hungry.  Fair wages helps them to step out of poverty. Each time you purchase an ethically sourced Fair Trade product you are helping a mother or father take care of their family.  You are helping those in need.

Have you ever been one of the least of these that Jesus is talking about?  Have you ever been in distress, in need or sick? Has anyone come alongside you to give you a hand, a hug, or an encouraging word.  Sometimes that is what is needed - to show others that you care.  Through long term relationships, Fair Trade organizations and businesses show the artisans, the producers or growers that they care.  They show they care with the extra benefits that are given to artisans and their families such as micro-credit loans, grants to help them with their handcrafts businesses, schooling for new skills to increase their income and so much more.  

Fair Trade organizations help the artisans, the producers and growers through relationships that are built on mutual trust and respect. When working with artisans in the long term, organizations help them develop skills in their handcraft businesses, give technical assistance as well as financial help.  Giving a helping hand in the many aspects of the artisans lives and businesses is a priority!

Isaiah 25:4  For you have been a stronghold to the poor, a stronghold to the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat; for the breath of the ruthless is like a storm against a wall.

You can be a stronghold for the poor through Fair Trade whether you are buying products yourself or encouraging others to help the poor with their Fair Trade purchases.

1. Search out ethically sourced, Fair Trade product for all your gifting and personal purchases.
2. Host a Fair Trade party or bazaar at your church or home.
3. Talk to your school or church about replacing the fundraisers with Fair Trade fundraisers.

We all can benefit the least of these through our shopping habits.

Benefits of Hosting a Fair Trade Sale

Are you considering a Fair Trade party at your home or church but don’t really know how much  it will help the impoverished in developing countries or if it really does make a difference to global poverty?

Consider the 7 benefits listed here and what help you give to artisans by selling their handmade items.

• Fair Trade gives a fair income - a fair living wage - to the producer of the product so the artisan is able to buy food, afford health care for their family, educate their children, and so much more. A certified  Fair Trade company pays the workers very fair wages plus extra benefits that help the family as well as the community.
• Sales will benefit children because there is no child labor in Fair Trade products and children are free to be children without being forced to work.
• Having a party empowers you to take a stand with the poor, to begin a  mission to help them step out of poverty, to help them have a brighter future.
• You don’t need to travel  to a distant country to help reduce poverty. You can serve the poor from your own home or church. You can make a difference in the world!
• Because many of the handcrafted products are made by single mothers,  the benefits of supporting these women extend to their children and extended family who depend on them.
• The benefits flow through the communities when the workers have money to spend at the local business or market.
• Parties give you a platform to share information with your friends about how Fair Trade does not exploit workers in sweatshops  or with unsafe labor practices.

At your home, in your backyard, at the office, in your church, at a restaurant - it's easy to have a simple party and help those less fortunate!