STUDENTS at Buxton & Leek College stood up for farmers when they sat down for breakfast with High Peak Mayor Stewart Young.
Teenagers were encouraged to think about what they were putting on their plates and whether those producing it were getting a fair deal during Fairtrade Fortnight which began on February 29. And, in line with this year’s theme of Fairtrade Breakfasts, teenagers on the Level 1 Learning for Living and Work course at Buxton Campus, invited Mayor Stuart Young and Mayoress Charlotte Young to join them for their most important meal of the day.
Wednesday March 2 saw a breakfast menu of Fairtrade tea, coffee, orange juice, sugar, bananas, cereal, jam and marmalade served up at the Devonshire Dome alongside bacon and sausage baps. All of the products came from producers that have been inspected by the Fairtrade Foundation which guarantees that not only have the farmers worked in safe conditions but also that they have been paid a living wage plus a Fairtrade premium for their work.
Students arriving at The Dome on Monday February 29 were greeted by Lois Clarke from the Students’ Union and Ingrid Keith from the Chaplaincy who handed out free Fairtrade cereal bars and directed them to the Bistro where they were invited to fill their cups with free Fairtrade coffee or hot chocolate. The fun continued later in the morning with a `Banana Farmer Game` helping teenagers to learn why banana farmers need a Fairtrade breakthrough. Freshly-made banana smoothies were presented to all participants.
Learning for Living and Work lecturer Julie Shaw said: “Our students have been learning about the principles behind the Fairtrade logo and they are keen to spread the message and encourage all of us to look out for it when we do our shopping each week.”