An ongoing project of Westminster's Peacemaking and Social Justice Committee is the Presbyterian Coffee Project. The Coffee Project is a way to raise people out of poverty. On the third Sunday of every month, members can purchse coffee, tea, cocoa, chocolate, and olive oil in Westminster's West Narthex between services. As Christians we can address a consumer dilemma by buying coffee that is fairly traded. Presbyterian congregations that participate are supporting practices which help farmers in Latin America, Africa and Asia earn a fairer share of income. Those farmers work with a trading partner they can trust called Equal Exchange. For each case of coffee purchased through the project, Equal Exchange makes a contribution to the Presbyterian Small Farmer Fund which further supports coffee farmers and their families.

Fair Trade certification prohibits the use of abusive child labor, and encourages the adoption of safer chemical-free farming methods. It guarantees that farmers are paid a fair price for their goods produced by environmentally sustainable practices.

For more information, visit www.pcusa.org/coffee.