By Tanya Dorrity, Community Officer

It’s been an exciting couple of weeks at the Co-op where we have been celebrating Fairtrade Fortnight.

This year’s theme was focused on chocolate and the plight of cocoa farmers in West Africa.

You may have noticed signposting in our stores and end of aisle displays showcasing the range of products we have available. We are proud to be the largest supplier of Fairtrade products in the Channel Islands.

Educating the next generation about Fairtrade

As the Community Officer at The Co-op I have been attending lessons and assemblies in the primary schools in both Jersey and Guernsey to raise awareness of Fairtrade in schools.

I talk to the pupils about the supply chain and I ask for volunteers to participate in activities to help their understanding of key issues, such as the Fairtrade Premium and the Fairtrade Price (read more about these on our Fairtrade page). I also provide the schools with free Fairtrade bananas on the day I visit which is always very well received. It’s important that the children take away a tangible action from my visit.

Fairtrade baking