INFRA Blogs

In honor of Fairtrade Month, Fairtrade America is working with grocers across the country to commemorate the vital work of fair trade farmers through vibrant murals. We are excited to share that four INFRA Member stores - The Turnip Truck, Lassen’s Natural Foods & Vitamins, Riverwards Produce Market, and Leever’s Locavore - have joined the now 15 storefronts to take part in the “We are Fairtrade” campaign.  

“We are Fairtrade” celebrates the often-unseen people who grow everyday products like coffee, cocoa, and bananas. Each story highlights the unfair trade practices experienced by growers in countries across the world, while offering hopeful stories of how Fairtrade has been able to help farmers get a fair deal. Learn more about each farmer and store below. 

The Turnip Truck – Nashville, TN 

“Partnering with Fairtrade America on this program affords us the opportunity to be part of a movement we deeply support, while also representing our brand in Nashville, a city known for creativity and authenticity.” – John Dyke, Founder of The Turnip Truck 

The Turnip Truck, Nashville’s only full-service locally owned natural foods grocer, partnered with artist Tarabella Aversa to tell the story of farmer Rosine Bekoin from Cote D’Ivoire. Rosine joined Fairtrade in 2016 hoping that uniting with other farmers would give her more independence and autonomy. With help from Fairtrade, she has increased her cocoa production by 50%.  

Lassen’s Natural Foods & Vitamins – Los Angeles, CA 

“People experience a visceral connection to food — whether it’s the coffee we can’t live without or the chocolate we love. These goods come at a cost, and we want to help our shoppers make the best choices possible. This mural helps convey the human connection and value of Fairtrade in a beautiful way.” -  Oda Lassen, Owner of Lassen’s Natural Foods & Vitamins 

Lassen’s Natural Foods champions 100% organic produce and uncomplicated, wholesome, good-for-you products. They partnered with artist Levi Ponce to tell the story of Segundo Alejandro, a member of the Norandino Coffee Cooperative in Peru, which collectively works to sustainably develop their region with certified organic farming practices.  

Riverwards Produce Market – Philadelphia, PA 

Riverwards Produce Market provides unique, quality ingredients from local farms and food producers. They worked with artist Betsy Casañas to honor farmer Mariana Cobos, a woman farmer in a province of Ecuador where 4 out of 5 banana growers are men. Mariana joined AsaGuabo, a Fairtrade banana cooperative to earn collective Fairtrade premiums on her bananas.  

Leever’s Locavore – Denver, CO 

Leever’s Locavore is committed to creating a community hub centered around food and beverage. They are partnering with artist Chelsea Lewinski to portray the likeness of Salamatu Katta, a Sierra Leonean cocoa farmer who has seen success implementing organic growing methods. She has also been able to reduce her reliance on farming loans by taking advantage of the Fairtrade Premium.  

Creating an Ethical Food System with Fair Trade

What better way to celebrate Fairtrade Month than by uplifting this meaningful campaign? It's a powerful reminder of the impact that Fair Trade has on creating an ethical food system – from empowered farmers, to grocers, to shoppers. That’s why we’re proud to include the Fair Trade Certification on our list of product standards. To see a full list of participating stores, visit the “We Are Fairtrade” Campaign website.