Yesterday, Fair Trade Boston partner Equal Exchange was featured in a Boston globe article.  Equal Exchange has been a key organization in the development of the Fair Trade movement, and has consistently been a corporate example of some of the most socially progressive business practices in the food industry.  The article focuses on the recent growth and success of Oke Bananas, a subsidiary of Equal Exchange, that works with a small farmer cooperative in Ecuador.  Until recently, these bananas were only available in select grocery stores, including Harvest Co-Op and local Whole Foods Market stores.

On January 21st, however, Stop and Shop will begin a trial run of Equal Exchange bananas.  This trial run represents a large step for Stop and Shop, owned by the grocery chain Supervalu, which operates stores under various names across the United States.  Fair Trade products are typically found in small quantities at larger, conventional grocers, which typically work with Dole, Chiquita and more established brands that can provide a quantity sufficient to supply hundreds of stores. Unfortunately, the human and environmental costs that must be paid to produce such a large quantity of bananas are numerous.

This trial run represents a larger paradigm shift occurring in the North American grocery economy – one that believers in the Fair Trade concept ought to support.  There is a growing presence of Fair Trade, organic, and generally “ethically produced foods” at conventional grocery stores like Shaws, Stop and Shop and even Market Basket.  These trends will continue if there is a consumer demand for them.  A new market of Equal Exchange bananas at Stop and Shop means increased revenue for the company, and increased capability to form new relationships with small farmer co-ops abroad.

Second, and more important to me personally, is the appearance of Fair Trade products at the grocery stores where my neighbors shop.  As a resident of Uphams Corner, a neighborhood of Dorchester, that is generally regarded as underprivileged, Fair Trade grocery options are all but unavailable locally.  In order to buy a Fairly Traded product, I have to get in my car or make a long bus commute to another neighborhood.  To my neighbors, most of whom feed extended families on food stamps, this concept is ludicrous. They do all of their grocery shopping as quickly as possible – and usually at Stop and Shop, because it’s close, the bus stops in front of the entrance, and it has everything one could need.

But, when a large company like Stop and Shop begins to explore carrying a Fair Trade product line, it reminds me that perhaps there is hope that my neighbors will be able to participate in the same just economy that I believe in, one in which they are often excluded from or simply don’t have the means to participate in.  It also reminds me that perhaps there is even hope for grocery giants, whom we often tend to demonize in favor of smaller, local options, to change their direction.

This trial run must be supported by consumers in order to pave the way for a consistent supply of Equal Exchange bananas to be available in stores. I encourage all readers to check their local Stop and Shop for these bananas on or shortly after January 21st and grab a bunch! You can identify them by spotting a a red and blue Equal Exchange label. If you cannot find them in the store, ask a produce manager if they have been ordered. If they haven’t been, let the produce manager know that you are aware that other stores are participating in the trial run and that you would like to see the particular Stop and Shop you frequent carry this product. Stores listen to customer desires. A consumer demand opens up a larger market for Equal Exchange product, and greater profit from the enlarged market, which enables the growth of fair, social just partnerships around the world.

This is a step to be celebrated and supported by all of us who believe in Fair Trade, reminds us that, in the words of Equal Exchange, Together we can create stronger local communities, a more just food system and a healthier planet.

Ben Cressy is a program intern with the Boston Faith and Justice Network, where he enjoys working with college students to bring Fair Trade food options to their dining centers.  He lives in Uphams Corner, Dorchester, and is pursuing a passion to enhance  local food sustainability, security and nutrition in his community.