One of the pillars of food security and key objects of our food network is just wages and working conditions for everyone involved in the process of planting seeds to consumption. Tea and coffee, two constant companions to many of us in Vancouver, are often produced in unfair, unjust, and unacceptable working conditions.

We can choose equitable options, though. By paying a little more for each cup, we can sip knowing that the farmers who grew the tea leaves and coffee beans can themselves enjoy a good life, and good brew of tea at the end of a day in the fields.

Some places to start:

Just Tea, direct from Kenyan Farmers
Ten Thousand Villages
Ethical Bean Coffee

Learn more at Fair Trade Vancouver or Oxfam Canada.