Fair Trade Halloween Treats: October 8, 2021

The goal is to avoid products of companies like Hershey, Nestle, Mars, Cadbury and Lindt. Why? These companies source cocoa for their chocolate from plantations in Ghana and the Ivory Coast. Although they have made promises to insure that children and forced labor are not used to produce this cocoa, they have not met their goals for many years and there is no effective enforcement.

Fair Trade certified chocolate is made from cocoa grown on farms without child or forced labor. In addition, working conditions are better, communities use profits to make improvements that they choose (like schools or clean water), and they use techniques that are more respectful of the environment. There is accountability.

So, alternatives to the usual Snickers and M&Ms include Fair Trade certified chocolate, non-chocolate foods, and treats that are not food at all. Let your imagination run wild – you will know what treats are best suited to your children and situation.

FAIR TRADE CHOCOLATE

Check out:

• www.slavefreechocolate.org
  
• www.globalcitizen.org
• www.fairtradeamerica.org/chocolate
  • Equal Exchange                   
  • Divine                               
  • Alter Eco Foods
  • Theo Chocolate
  • Evolved
  • UnReal
  • Dapaah

NON-CHOCOLATE CANDY

Check out:

• www.thepopcornfactory.com
• www.yumearth.com (allergy friendly) 
• www.etsy.com

NON-FOOD TREATS

Check out:

• www.orientaltrading.com 
  • Stamps                           
  • Stickers
  • Glowsticks
  • Slap bracelets
  • Laser finger lights
  • Temporary tattoos 
  • Spider rings