Saint Andrew’s School Becomes First Fair Trade School in Florida
Boca Raton, FL – Saint Andrew’s School, part of a national initiative by Fair Trade Campaigns to engage PreK – 12 students in issues of global poverty, is proud to announce its official designation as a Fair Trade School. It is the first Fair Trade School in the State of Florida and # 38 in the United States.
Fair Trade is an economic system that ensures consumers the products they buy were grown, harvested, crafted and traded in ways that improve lives and protect the environment. Fair Trade Campaigns officially recognizes schools in the US committed to educating students about the issues of Fair Trade and sourcing Fair Trade products like coffee, tea, and bananas in the cafeteria, offices and at events.
With over 500 Fair Trade Schools in the United Kingdom alone, the US program grew out of work in Europe and the increasing demand for Fair Trade and ethically produced products to be incorporated into institutional purchasing. Fair Trade Campaigns sees the tremendous impact institutional purchasing in the US can have on farmers and artisans worldwide.
“Few things are more exciting than seeing today’s youth understand the role that they can play as consumers in making the world a fairer and just place,” stated Billy Linstead Goldsmith, director of Fair Trade Campaigns. “To see them become not just conscious consumers, but advocates for Fair Trade, should challenge all of us to do the same.”
The student-driven campaign was created to build the awareness and availability of Fair Trade at Saint Andrew’s. The school met three essential requirements, which included building a student-driven Fair Trade Team, committing to Fair Trade education and events, and sourcing Fair Trade products.
The campaign began in January 2019 when students in the Saint Andrew’s Social Entrepreneurship Class learned about Fair Trade and its social impact from Jerry Hildebrand, Director of Social Impact at Lynn University. Mr. Hildebrand had shared that Lynn was named a Fair Trade University in May of 2018 and that he, along with students from Lynn, were willing to assist Saint Andrew’s students in the process. SAGE Dining Services, Saint Andrew’s food service partner, was also willing to help.
After three months of hard work by the students, Saint Andrew’s School received the good news on April 15, 2019, that it had met all of the requirements to earn Fair Trade School Designation as recognized by Fair Trade Campaigns.
“We were so excited because there were so many benefits to Saint Andrew’s becoming a Fair Trade School,” said Cristen Magaletti, Social Entrepreneurship Teacher. “There was strong alignment with our Episcopalian values and academic program in entrepreneurial studies. This opportunity also presented a valuable learning moment for the students to view themselves as change agents since they were driving the entire process from the start.”
There are now over 280 active Fair Trade Campaigns in towns, schools, congregations and universities across the country, now including Saint Andrew’s School.
+ What: Official Announcement/Event – Students and Faculty Present Saint Andrew’s School Official Designation as a Fair Trade School – First in the State of Florida
+ When: Thursday, May 16 at 2:00 pm
+ Where: Saint Andrew’s School at the Dr. Albert Cohen Family Center for Entrepreneurial Studies
3900 Jog Road, Boca Raton, Florida, 33434
+ Visual: Students/Teacher present about Fair Trade and unveil a celebratory banner in front of school officials.
About Fair Trade Campaigns
Fair Trade Campaigns is a grassroots movement mobilizing thousands of Fair Trade advocates on campuses and in communities across the United States. Fair Trade Campaigns recognize towns, colleges, universities, schools and congregations in the US for embedding Fair Trade purchasing practices and principles into policy, as well as in the social foundations of their communities. Project collaborators include Fair Trade USA, Fairtrade America, and Fair for Life, third-party certifiers of Fair Trade products in the United States, and the Fair Trade Federation, a North American trade association of organizations fully committed to Fair Trade. Visit www.FairTradeCampaigns.org for more information
