Mayor & Mayoress Sadiq, Sutton Council’s Fairtrade Champion Simon Wales, and Judy Walsh of Fairtrade with the certificate confirming Sutton’s status as a Fairtrade borough.
The Mayor of Sutton Cllr Muhammad Sadiq and Deputy Leader of the Council & Fairtrade Champion Cllr Simon Wales were among those treated to a Fairtrade breakfast on Saturday 5 March in the Oasis Café, Trinity Church.
The event showcased the benefits of Sutton’s status as a Fairtrade borough that supports fair pay, working conditions, and treatment for food growers and suppliers.
The Oasis Café opened its doors to the public at 9.30am. A range of beverages, snacks and condiments were on hand to help fill hungry stomachs with wholesome Fairtrade goodies.
Cllr Simon Wales, Deputy Leader of Sutton Council & Fairtrade Champion, said:
“Making sure we support Fairtrade suppliers and distributors is vital to ensure that everyone involved bringing us the food we enjoy gets the level of pay their hard work deserves.
A buffet table of Fairtrade foodstuffs and beverages for attendees to enjoy.
“I’m proud that Sutton is a Fairtrade borough – and although we’re doing really well, in my role as Fairtrade Champion I’m determined to go even further toward making Sutton even greener and more sustainable. Making the effort to buy Fairtrade items wherever possible is something that we can all do to help achieve this goal.”
Over 20 people visited the Oasis Café to partake in the breakfast, where they could enjoy croissants and pastries along with coffee, tea, and orange juice.
Cllr Muhammad Sadiq, Mayor of Sutton, said:
“It’s important we ensure the people who work so hard bringing food to our plates are well-paid and are not exploited. I’m really impressed with the hard work of everyone who’s helped put on this wonderful breakfast to raise awareness of the Fairtrade project.”
Sutton residents are encouraged to always look for the Fairtrade symbol on items they buy to be sure that the producers have been fairly paid for their time and work.
Sutton has been a Fairtrade borough since 2007, committed to serving Fairtrade goods in meetings and in its offices. At least two Fairtrade products must be available from 36 retailers and 18 caterers at any time for the borough to maintain its status.
You can find out more about Sutton’s status as a Fairtrade borough here.