Loose the chains of injustice - Isaiah 58:6.
It is the mission of MERCY to loose the chains of injustice by empowering producers with the means to break the cycle of poverty. We can accomplish that mission only if we each do our own small part to
change the bigger picture.
Be informed. Be responsible. Buy fair trade.
Be ready for the holiday baking frenzy by stocking your pantry with fair trade chocolate!!!
Open this baking pre-order document to find all the info and pics of Mercy's Organic, Fair Trade baking essentials. You will also find an order form to email to Brigitte@mercyfairtrade.com
Mercy is now taking pre-orders for Halloween candy!
Open this Halloween pre-order form to find pictures and info about all our delicious chocolate. You will also find an order form for you to cut & paste in an email to Brigitte@mercyfairtrade.com
Please have your orders in by Saturday, October 5th. Your orders will be ready for pick-up at
The Shoppes at Brownstone (2408 W. Abram, 76013) on Friday, October 25th, 3-6pm
or Saturday, October 26th, 10-1pm.
This is Mercy's first Halloween so all of this is new territory. Please be patient with us as we navigate the best way to get our products to you, the responsible consumer.
Fall weather is in the air and that means Halloween will be here before you know it! Time to get the littles' costumes ready, carve those pumpkins, and buy your trick-or-treaters
CANDY, CANDY, CANDY!!!
Instead of stocking up on the cheap, unethical, big brand chocolates you find in every store, how about making a responsible consumer purchase...Fair Trade chocolate! Mercy's been working with our artisans to bring you the very best, organic, Fair Trade chocolate for your little trick-or-treaters.
Here is why Fair Trade matters...
According to Fair Trade International, more than 30 developing countries produce cocoa, providing 14 million people with a livelihood. Around 90% of the cocoa used around the world is sourced from small family farms of less than 5 acres.
"More than three-fourths of all the world's cocoa comes from West Africa – but the entire continent of Africa only accounts for about 3 percent of its consumption." (article by CNN Freedom Project)Places like Ghana and the Ivory Coast where 90% of farmers depend on cocoa as their primary source of income are the very places where child slavery abounds.
Really...child slavery? Yeah, that will leave a bad taste in your mouth. Hershey's, Mars, Nestle...they are all a part of it...and so are you every time you purchase commercial chocolate.
Buying Fair Trade is a vote to end child slavery.
Let me encourage you to make this year a Fair Trade Halloween.
Below is the BBC documentary on the Bitter Truth of the cocoa industry.
According to the International Labor Organization in this article
by the U.S. Department of Labor, Child labor is defined as all work
performed by a person below the age of 18 in the following practices:
(A) all forms of slavery such as the sale and trafficking of children
(B) the use or offering of a child for prostitution or for the
production of pornography
(C) the use or offering of a child in the production and trafficking of
drugs
(D) work which, by its nature or the circumstances in which it is carried
out, is likely to harm the health, safety or morals of children
I could barely breathe reading through the article. People, the simple fact
that there is a reason for such a sanction to exist is in itself utterly
disturbing. Please do not turn a deaf ear or a blind eye to the terrifying and
oppressive reality so many in this world live and die in every day.
The bold truth is that you and I live incredibly comfortable, easy,
safe lives with an abundance of resources and money available to us. And on top
of it all is freedom. It is our obligation to do our part in the prevention and
elimination of injustice...because we can...so we should.
"...loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free..." - Isaiah 58:6
Do your part. Start where you are. Buy fair trade products.
See this
list for goods produced using child labor.
In spite of my delayed posting, I am thrilled to finally introduce to you the ethical artisans at Mama Ganache. Mercy and MG have partnered to bring you the finest organic, fair trade chocolates guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth and your conscience. Read here to learn more about MG's philosophy, their work in West Africa called Project Hope and Fairness, and their vision to establish Cocoa Study Centers.
Currently, Mercy carries...
...a variety of dark chocolate barks including chili orange walnut, cherry almond and cranberry ginger. My favorite thing about the barks is that you can break off a little piece (said no one ever) or a big chunk of delicious chocolate laced with all sorts of yummy bits of organic dried fruits and nuts. Can you say flavor explosion? I can't. My mouth is full chocolate.
...the Tastes of Mercy grab bag of vegan, gluten free cups and clusters. Flavors included are peanut butter, coconut, almond, and the caramel crunch cluster. This little party in a bag is great for those adventurous types or for those who like to share (aka suckas!). Personally, I keep one of these stashed for emergencies or, as it's more commonly know in my house, a Mommy time out. Bless it.
Coming soon... baking chips, shards, and cocoa to get you ready for Fall baking!
These items currently in stock at The Shoppes at Brownstone (see here for extended menu) Bark (8oz bag) $14
Chili Orange Walnut*
Cherry Almond
Cranberry Ginger
