Worthing supports Fairtrade fortnight

Rod Thick, chair of the Worthing Fairtrade Group, said: "We have been encouraged by Worthing Council's support in endorsing and using Fairtrade products.

"Worthing has now reached the required number of retail outlets stocking Fairtrade goods and there are a good number of businesses, churches and other organisations that offer Fairtrade items.

"However, it is the catering sector we need to bring on board now. Worthing has always had a strong community conscience and being successful in our bid for Fairtrade Town status will show that it also has a global conscience."

On Saturday, March 5 there will be a Fairtrade coffee morning in the new St Paul's centre, opposite Worthing Library.

A stall at the Co-op in the town centre will offer samples of products while a display at Worthing Library will give more information.

The Fair Trade Federation (FTF) is an association of fair trade wholesalers, retailers, and producers whose members are committed to providing fair wages and good employment opportunities to economically disadvantaged farmers worldwide.

To promote awareness of Fairtrade and to encourage more cafes and restaurants to offer Fairtrade refreshment, the Worthing Fairtrade Group has organised a variety of events throughout this annual Fairtrade Fortnight.

Promotions are also being held at existing Fairtrade cafes on various days.

On March 8, Worthing mayor Jack Saheid will visit the Europa cafe in Warwick Street to sample Fairtrade refreshment for himself, at 3.30pm.