Fair Trade Month - And A Fair Trade Gift Box Giveaway

October 1, 2012

Fair trade is the idea of marketing products with a primary goal of improving the lives of the those who grow (and sometimes process) the raw materials. I knew that it involved paying ethical, above-market prices for the food, instead of pressuring poor communities to produce food as cheaply as possible. I didn’t realize the it also includes a commitment of community development funds that the farmers can use for environmental protection, health care, or women’s empowerment among other great things.

Fair Trade USA, one of the major fair trade certification organizations, is sponsoring Fair Trade Month in October. Their slogan is “Every Purchase Matters”, which I think is a great thing to keep in mind. Anytime we buy something, we have an opportunity to make the world a little bit better - whether it is a fair trade purchase, buying from a local shop, or hitting the farmer’s market for organic bok choy.

To celebrate Fair Trade Month, Fair Trade USA is giving away the lovely gift box you see above to one Herbivoracious reader. It includes Madhava agave nectar, Near East Quinoa, Three Twins Ice Cream, and chocolate from TCHO among other goodies.

To enter, just sign up for my email list using the form below. If you are already on the email list, you can enter by leaving a comment on this blog post. ~~Enter by 11:59 PM EST on Sunday 10/7/12, and I’ll announce the winner the following day. I’ll contact the winner by email to arrange delivery of the prize.~~ The contest is over, and the winner is Melinda. Congratulations, and thanks to everyone who participated!

120 Comments

Claire S 2012-10-01 06:10:35

I'm already on the email list!

Michael Natkin 2012-10-01 06:19:28

Good deal! Consider yourself entered in the contest.

Maura W 2012-10-01 06:21:49

Count me in! I'm on the list and enjoy every email I get from you!! Keep up the delicious recipes!

Liza 2012-10-01 06:22:30

I'm already on the list, too!

ben freedman 2012-10-01 06:22:41

aw, i wanted to be the first! must have taken longer to get to the east coast! thanks! ben

Kathryn 2012-10-01 06:24:32

I expected a recipe in my email - not all that amazing chocolate! =D Will check out the link now.

Noelle (@singerinkitchen) 2012-10-01 06:27:20

I love this!!!

RH 2012-10-01 06:28:59

I'm already on the list, thanks!

Nancy 2012-10-01 06:29:09

I am already on the list, too...thanks for the giveaway!

sami 2012-10-01 06:29:48

I have been on the list for a long time, love some of your ideas.

Heidi Hess 2012-10-01 06:30:51

I'm crossing my fingers. Your recipes have changed the way we eat.

Amy Britt 2012-10-01 06:31:06

Thank you for the link! I try to buy fair trade or rainforest alliance certified products, so the Fair Trade USA website is a great resource for me.

Rebekah 2012-10-01 06:32:57

Already on the list, thanks!

Erin 2012-10-01 06:33:03

I'm already on the list! This is awesome that you're supporting Fair Trade Month!

Anne 2012-10-01 06:37:02

I'm already on the list, but would love to be entered!

Amanda Fischer 2012-10-01 06:38:27

Already on the email list! Love your posts and this effort!

Mai 2012-10-01 06:40:53

I'm already on the list too! Thanks :)

Katy Penrod 2012-10-01 06:41:07

Im already on the email list! Love your blog!

Summer 2012-10-01 06:44:08

I agree, free trade is important. I lived in Ecuador for a while, had friends that grew coffee. It's REALLY hard work. The average worker got three dollars a day. It would be nice if free trade was a reality everywhere. And it would be nice if I won the giveaway. :)

Judy G 2012-10-01 06:44:42

I'm already on the list. Thank you! :)

Sarah 2012-10-01 06:49:07

I am already on the list! I really enjoy your posts and recipes!

Megan 2012-10-01 06:50:17

Thanks for the information about Fair Trade and the chance to win some awesome stuff!

amydaugustine 2012-10-01 06:50:42

Thanks for highlighting Fair Trade month. Supporting companies who take action to ensure fair, safe, and equitable working environments for employees and suppliers is critical. Already a newsletter subscriber, but would love to win this fabulous giveaway.

Danielle 2012-10-01 06:50:45

I am already on the mailing list. Looks like a fantastic prize!

Janice D'Agostino 2012-10-01 06:51:53

Fair Trade is the only fair way to eat. Already on the email list. :D

Lauren 2012-10-01 06:53:45

Oh my goodness, all of that looks delicious! Count this vegetarian in for the giveaway!

Gloria Kersh 2012-10-01 06:55:45

I'm already on your subscription list.. but I sure want to be entered!

Mariah 2012-10-01 06:59:45

Already on the list and really glad you're supporting Fair Trade month. I lived in Sierra Leone for some time, near coffee farms that were not covered under fair trade agreements. The wages were often under a dollar a day. I now try to set aside the extra dollar or two it costs to upgrade my chocolate and coffee to fair trade.

Anne Campbell 2012-10-01 07:02:35

I love how the package includes chocolate, chocolate, QUINOA, chocolate, chocolate. Because that whole grain automatically makes the whole thing super-healthy, just by osmosis!

Amanda 2012-10-01 07:06:01

On the newsletter list already! Absolutely love it, the book and Fair Trade initiatives!

Alonia Rose 2012-10-01 07:06:02

I too am on the mailing list. Please enter me into the contest.

Sherri 2012-10-01 07:08:24

I am on the list. Really enjoying your recipes and knowledge.

Mandy 2012-10-01 07:09:19

I'm inn! Nice!

Jen 2012-10-01 07:09:47

On your list but thanks for posting about this issue. It's a relief to see so many products we already purchase on this list.

Jen Fong 2012-10-01 07:12:00

I'm on the list! Would love to win the box...love fair trade and the box looks fab!

Rose 2012-10-01 07:15:50

Love this !!!

Melinda 2012-10-01 07:21:32

I'm on the email list already. I love the blog and this is a great giveaway.

Michael Natkin 2012-10-08 08:26:13

You are the winner! I'll email you privately to get your address.

Marina@Picnic at Marina 2012-10-01 07:23:47

Hi Michael, thanks for this post. I am always on a look out for Fair Trade Certified product, which is not easy in our neck of the woods. I am glad to see all the products from my pantry on the photo (except ice cream).

Suzanne 2012-10-01 07:26:53

I absolutely love your blog, your videos and recipes. I look forward to every new post. I have your book and so far it has not failed me. Good luck with your new recipe development. I look forward to trying them all.

Jennifer Oliva 2012-10-01 07:30:25

I use this Agave nectar all the time- and Numi teas are the best!

John 2012-10-01 07:35:45

I'm in!

swarna.mani@oracle.com 2012-10-01 07:50:47

Looks awesome!

Robin 2012-10-01 07:51:02

Never was a vegetarian but when I moved to Seattle a few months ago, I've noticed my eating habits have changed significantly while trying all the recipe ideas since i signed up for the email newsletters. Thanks for all the great ideas and resources for healthy, local, and fair trade foods.

Samantha D 2012-10-01 07:52:03

Already on the email list! Thanks for all your deliciously nutritious ideas! I would love to try some of that quinoa and chocolate!

Matt 2012-10-01 08:01:53

What a great way to support the folks that produce our food :) (already on the list and love the recipes, thanks much!)

Susan 2012-10-01 08:04:39

On the list--and loving it! Thank you!

Darcy 2012-10-01 08:12:32

This is a pretty cool giveaway. Thanks.

Mel 2012-10-01 08:23:39

on the email list!

Allison (Spontaneous Tomato) 2012-10-01 08:29:49

I'm already on your mailing list, but I'd love to be entered to win!

Wendy 2012-10-01 08:40:42

I'm on the list and cooking up some of the finest fare I know!

cynthia 2012-10-01 08:43:42

Great idea, please enter me to try to win a yummy prize!

Tanya Phillips 2012-10-01 08:44:46

So cool, I'm already on the list. Thanks!

Elizabeth 2012-10-01 09:08:34

Ohhh! What a great prize!

Jay 2012-10-01 09:10:52

Yes please!

Dawn | KitchenTravels 2012-10-01 09:11:03

what a great giveaway! I am already on your email list. :) Thanks!

Joshua Decosta 2012-10-01 09:13:19

I would love to be entered, as well I am already on the email list. Thank you for changing my cooking habits.

bonnie 2012-10-01 09:20:28

I'm already on the list, and I applaud your support of Fair Trade. I once spent time with Caribbean coffee farmers, and it was shocking to learn about how market pressures and exploitative lending practices worked to keep them from ever getting ahead (until they formed a cooperative and learned to work together to benefit their communities).

cynthia 2012-10-01 09:26:28

I'm already on your mailing list!!!

Laura 2012-10-01 09:35:06

I am already on your email list and thanks! I love the fair trade giveaway idea as it exposes more readers to the concept and of course, I too would like to win. Fair trade is great and anything that we can do to support it if even a small step is a positive to change the way we grow, trade and eat. Thanks for sharing.

mason 2012-10-01 09:43:25

I already receive all of your great recipes! Would love to receive this prize pack!

Katie 2012-10-01 09:58:59

I'm already on the email list and this basket looks awesome! I'm glad to see Rishi tea in the gift basket. They are a local company here in Milwaukee and they make wonderful teas.

Charul @ Tadka Masala 2012-10-01 10:20:30

Already on the list! :)

Marc 2012-10-01 10:20:31

I'm already on the list but fear if I'm the lucky winner the ice cream will have melted by the time it would get to London!! ;-)

Jilian 2012-10-01 10:32:27

That picture looks amazing! Count me in! Love all your recipes... trying out the coconut rice with black beans tonight.

Jake 2012-10-01 10:37:59

Whoo. Free Trade Month!

Etas 2012-10-01 10:51:49

I love your cookbook. I want to win!

Mike 2012-10-01 11:28:07

Already on the list.

Claire B 2012-10-01 11:52:31

I'm already on your list, and this box sounds fantastic!

Lacey 2012-10-01 11:54:17

I'm feelin lucky!

Ryan 2012-10-01 12:03:01

I'm already on the list! Thanks!!

Emily 2012-10-01 12:23:48

I'm on the list!

Janet Matsen 2012-10-01 12:30:58

mmmm! already on the list & RSS feed

emmycooks 2012-10-01 12:45:32

I'm on your list already. This looks like a highly ethical and delicious box of goodies. :)

Brannan 2012-10-01 13:10:37

Have been on your mailing list for a long time. Enjoy reading the wealth of info you share with me and the other readers. Keep up the good work, you are a blessing and help to many!

ginny 2012-10-01 13:12:57

Fingers crossed!

Leslie 2012-10-01 13:22:20

Hope I'm the lucky winner!

Kiki 2012-10-01 13:38:04

I'm on the list, too!

Jill K. 2012-10-01 13:42:54

Neat giveaway! I'm already on your email list.

Abbie 2012-10-01 14:04:37

I am a HUGE fan of fair trade products, from food all the way to clothing, bags etc. The more awareness that everyone can pass on, the more the world will understand the importance of Fair Trade. By the way, this basket looks amazing!

Julie 2012-10-01 14:12:56

Great idea! I'm on the lists

Charlene 2012-10-01 15:47:10

on the email list already! Loving them :D

Cathy 2012-10-01 15:50:04

Thanks for wonderful recipes. I'm already on the e-mail list and would love to win - as would all of us !!

Emily 2012-10-01 16:15:04

on the list. LOVE your cookbook. it is incredible.

Barb 2012-10-01 16:23:25

Already on your email list would like to enter for the chance to win. thanks

Julie 2012-10-01 16:43:28

Wow, what a fantastic giveaway!

Deborah 2012-10-01 16:53:47

Hi! I'm already on the email list.

Cathy 2012-10-01 18:39:38

I would like to be entered to win. Thanks!

Patti Johnson 2012-10-01 18:56:02

I'm already on your lovely e-mail list. Lurve your blog and hope to buy your cookbook soon! Slowly changing my eating habits towards plant based foods only. Very exciting. My blood sugars are already changing fantastically (I'm a Type 2 Diabetic) AND I've already lost 6 pounds in the last 10 days. AWESOME! :) <3

Cynthia Clouser 2012-10-01 19:00:24

Already on the email list. Fair Trade rocks!

Diona 2012-10-01 19:15:49

I'm already an email subscriber -- I look forward to every one! And the basket looks amazing!

Hope 2012-10-01 20:59:11

I am on the list as well. Thanks!

camille 2012-10-01 21:54:53

lemon cookie three twins ice cream is my favorite :)

Kat @ Eating The Week 2012-10-02 04:18:03

Count me in! Until I read your post, I also didn't realize Fair Trade included community development funds; makes a good idea even better.

MP 2012-10-02 04:46:06

I'm on your list and love it! Also bought the e version of your book - fabulous!

Anna 2012-10-02 04:54:51

Oooh, all those products look lovely!

Katrina 2012-10-02 05:50:09

I just discovered your blog last week and I love it. This is just the icing on the cake!

Kate 2012-10-02 05:51:32

I'm already on the email list and really enjoy the recipes. Thanks for doing this giveaway!!

Julia H 2012-10-02 07:03:22

Yay for fair trade! I'm already on your mailing list :)

christina 2012-10-02 08:04:13

Im new to this blog, but i love it so far and I am excited for the give a way!

Melissa 2012-10-02 10:41:54

I already receive your newsletter!

Linda 2012-10-02 11:06:52

Looks like a box of delicousness! Thanks for offering this contest to your email subscribers.

lisa 2012-10-02 11:34:42

would love love love to win this, great contest, thanks!

Leslie 2012-10-02 13:44:32

I really enjoy your blog, and I love your recipes! My online explorations for improving my son's health have led me to many great blogs and organic products. Thanks for your help!

Susan 2012-10-02 15:08:39

Thank you for posting about this important global issue!

Michelle 2012-10-02 17:49:38

On this list. Love the cookbook!

Tracy 2012-10-02 18:00:40

Already on the list. Always glad to see the newsletter in my inbox. Thanks for the giveaway!

Morgan 2012-10-02 19:56:18

I'm already on the list! :)

Ian 2012-10-03 08:52:15

I'm already on the list, thanks.

Sara 2012-10-03 11:37:42

This is awesome! I'm already on the list :)

L0 & Behold 2012-10-03 16:55:39

I love your products and I would just be filled with so much glee and joy over winning this gift basket! I would use every ingredient and feature them on my healthy/veggie blog :-D I can't believe someone is going to be lucky enough to win this!! I just really hope it's me!! (no offense guys! lol) Veggies & <3, L0 & Behold

Malathy 2012-10-04 02:42:28

I am already on the list. And I love the recipes. thanks

Cheryl Rajkumar 2012-10-04 13:14:01

I've already subscribed your mails and posts. Thanks a mil for hosting the giveaway. Love your recipes :) Keep up the good work. Cheers!

Cindy Myers 2012-10-04 15:56:37

I love that society is waking up to the ethics and morality of being a consumer. Who you give your money to is an important message of support. We need to decide not only on the product, but how the company operates; whether they treat people with equality and kindness, are they supportive or harmful to the environment, and whenever we can boycott the bad and buy from the good.

Rachel 2012-10-04 17:54:27

I'm an email subscriber, and would love to win the basket!

Liz from EatingPlaces 2012-10-05 07:02:22

On the list. Great giveaway, thanks Michael!

Sandy Scott 2012-10-05 10:18:58

I'm already on the list and enjoy each e-mail and post.

Kati 2012-10-06 10:08:09

I'm on the email list. Really excited about this giveaway.

Kristin 2012-10-07 10:49:27

Great giveaway, i'm already on the list!

Michael Natkin 2012-10-08 08:27:36

And the winner is Melinda, who also has a blog over at http://resourcefulcookie.blogspot.com/ . Melinda, I'll email you to get your shipping address. Congratulations, and thanks to all who participated!

Comments are closed.

Fair Trade Month - And A Fair Trade Gift Box Giveaway

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120 Comments