About Us
Just Fare Market is a non-profit, volunteer, non-denominational, 501(c)(3) retail link in the Fair Trade chain, partnering with wholesalers and artisans and farmers in the developing world to ensure: a fair price for products, empowerment and self-sufficiency, investment in communities and gender equity. Fair Trade encourages environmentally sustainable practices throughout the entire trading chain.Our Mission
Just Fare Market is a faith based nonprofit organization improving lives through global partnerships
and fair trade.
We strive to:
- Educate our community about the social and environmental consequences of a globalized economy and the benefits of Fair Trade.
- Encourage people to become more mindful of how, where and by whom the products they are buying and consuming are produced.
- Provide an outlet to market Fair Trade handicrafts, clothing, and food products created by artisans and farmers in developing countries.
Our History
Many of the individuals involved in Just Fare Market participate because of the heart-felt dilemma of living in a world of God's great abundance where we have enough - or more than enough -- and others do not. We believe in empowerment rather than dependency as a way to address this inequity in resources and lifestyle.
- In the mid 1970's some of our members were introduced to SERRV International, then a handicraft marketing organization partnering with Church World Service. This introduction to Fair Trade planted the seed of a dream of helping people to become self-supporting through our purchases.
- By the 1990's the dream was starting to bear fruit with the sale of SERRV handicraft items through seasonal sales and home parties at First Presbyterian.
- In 2004 the organizing group requested a grant from First Presbyterian Church to increase the visibility and sales of SERRV International products in Fond du Lac. A small inventory was maintained and opportunities for sales were found.
- Products were added from the Interfaith Coffee Project of Equal Exchange. First Presbyterian Church committed to serving only Fair Trade coffee at the church and allowed the sale of Fair Trade coffee one Sunday a month.
- In 2005 a Peace and Social Justice Taskforce was formed within First Presbyterian Church which became a driving force in promoting Fair Trade.
- The vision could not be contained and connections were made with other Protestant and Catholic churches interested in social justice. More volunteers came forward.
- In summer of 2006 the Taskforce stepped out in faith to realize dreams that God had placed on our hearts. The Taskforce requested and received permission from the Session of First Presbyterian to use a space dedicated for a shop during November and December. The shop was a success, not only within the church, but also attracted the interest of many in the community.
- Early in 2007 it became apparent that this vision was too big for the Taskforce. The vision was incorporated as a non-profit and called Just Fare Ltd. First Presbyterian generously allowed the continued use of space and has given support in many ways, including a start-up grant.
- In recognition of being a nondenominational community effort, the board was elected from many different faith backgrounds. Just Fare has received additional start-up grants from the Winnebago Presbytery and various individuals.
- Just Fare continues to broaden ecumenical ties, recruit volunteers, and educate the community about Fair Trade. Holy Family Catholic Community presented a grant at the 2008 annual meeting.
- It may seem as if what is being done is small, but for every T-shirt purchased, a seamstress can support her children. She purchases the cotton from a local farmer, who can provide for his family. The farmer purchases from others, and the chain of hope continues on and on. The chain goes on for generations, as these individuals are able to educate their children. Those children gain the tools and skills to make their hopes and dream a reality.
Teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.
Lao Tzu