Chocolate: A Tricky Treat
Much of the cocoa that large chocolate companies use in their candy comes from poor countries in West Africa. Many of the cocoa farmers in these countries are trapped in poverty and unwillingly forced to rely on child labor, or even child slavery, to produce what they need to survive.
Children as young as 5 years old have been trafficked into slavery. These children will not have the opportunity for education, and will likely not escape the cycle of poverty. A few companies control most of the U.S. chocolate candy market and refuse to pay cocoa farmers enough to sustain their families and pay their workers.
What you can do:
Look for the “Fair Trade Certified,” logo and buy Fair Trade Chocolate. Fair trade means that farmers receive a fair pay for the cocoa they produce - enough money to feel their families, send their children to school, and pay their workers. Chocolate labeled Fair Trade does not allow for child slavery or for abusive child labor. Spread the word to friends and family.
With Halloween just around the corner in the months to come, help spread the word.