Food and Drink

Organisations that source their food and drink from ethical, organic, locally produced or fairly traded goods are not only protecting the environment but are helping to create a fairer society and are also putting money back into the local community.

For many people working in the third sector, promoting a fair and just society is at the core of their work. Fairtrade tea, coffee and sugar in the workplace is an extension of the work and ethos their organisation has adopted. However, it can sometimes be difficult to make the switch to fairtrade especially when everyone has their favourite tea for the perfect cuppa. There are now many more brands and varieties of fairtrade available that there should be a taste and blend to suit everyone's pallet and pocket.

The first Fairtrade products first appeared in 1994 offering a limited three choices. Now more than 3,000 products have been licensed to carry the Fairtrade mark. The extra money paid to farmers who are part of the scheme is used to build schools, provide clean water for drinking and provide sickness benefits. (source: www.fairtrade.org.uk)

It is also important to consider the local economy when making food and drink purchases.
Your organisation may want to buy food that is organic, local and seasonal and it can be hard to know where to start. Sustaining Change can help your organisation to think about where your food and drink comes from, to make choices which are sustainable for the local and global community, as well as offering advice on healthier food options.

Did you know that around 21% of office waste is food waste, the majority of which is still edible? (source:waste watch). As well as offering advice on buying food and drink, Sustaining Change can also provide advice on reducing the amount of food and drink organisations throw away and therefore saving you money....every little counts!