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Go Bananas for Equal Exchange Fair Trade Organic Bananas!

The produce department met with Nicole Vitello from Equal Exchange Fair Trade Organic Bananas.  We learned all about the amazing process our bananas go through before they get to us at Healthy Living and to you our favorite customers.  

We learned by Supporting Fair Trade Bananas we are all choosing to connect ourselves to courageous banana farmers who make history for themselves, and quite possibly, for the entire banana industry. These respected small scale organic farmers in Ecuador and Peru grow bananas, which are harvested after 12 months, they undergo an extensive inspection process, and are packaged, before being distributed to the US.  The total process takes 4-5 weeks.  By buying Fair Trade you are giving the farmer collective power and financial stability allowing farmers to make their own farming decisions and stay connected to their communities. 

Equal Exchange has challenged traditional trade models for over 20 years, providing market access to small-scale producers and farmers internationally. Their most recent endeavor into the banana market is vital, because Americans are well…bananas about bananas.   The banana industry is notorious for low wages and heavy chemical use, causing major health problems across banana producing regions. Together, Equal Exchange and our farmer partners are creating a trade model that respects small-scale farmers, builds communities, and supports the environment. 

Go Bananas!