For members of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, coffee -- one of the most heavily traded commodities in the world -- is also a matter of faith and justice. After Sunday morning worship or during an evening church council meeting the deep, rich aroma and smooth, caramel-like taste of coffee can be invigorating for Lutherans. According to Lutheran World Relief (LWR), some 20 million coffee farmers in Africa, Asia and Latin America often struggle to make a simple living and lack adequate health care and education for their children. One way Lutherans are supporting coffee farmers is by purchasing coffee directly from farmers in a process called "fair trade." For the coffee farmer today, selling a harvested crop can be tough. In the free market, they may receive as little as 15 cents per pound, Through fair trade practices, coffee farmers are earning more. Coffee is such an integral part of ZELC life, that it makes sense for the congregation to support economic and social justice by purchasing fair trade coffee. So come enjoy a warm cup of coffee after Sunday worship and know that you are having a hand in fair trade.
You can also purchase fair trade coffee to take home! See the basket in the hallway near the atrium (next to the elevators).