May 5, 2008 Sarasota, FL - This May while we in the United States
celebrate Mother’s Day and World Fair Trade Day, many disadvantaged people
face a looming food crisis caused by dramatic increases in the price
of staples like rice and wheat. And this sudden increase has happened in
only the past 2 years. This rapid food inflation forces many people to choose
between food and medicine, food and school supplies and other tough choices no
person should ever have to make. Learn more.
At Lucuma Designs we believe that big problems require creative thinking, commitment and
a willingness to try new ideas. We are committed to helping the people of Peru, and we
understand that we do not have all the answers.
So while we work with small rural and urban workshops in Peru, we want to encourage
improvements in local agriculture as well. Only food independence will help people
feed themselves and their families regardless of changes in the global food and commodities
markets. Thus this month we are supporting Heifer's efforts to help rural farmers reach
self-reliance. We believe this approach is entirely compatible with our fair trade mission,
and we hope you will feel good about supporting Heifer as well.
Here is a bit about Heifer in their own words.
Heifer has helped millions of small-scale rural farmers to greater self-reliance through
livestock and increased crop outputs using organic fertilizer where once only slash-and-burn
or other soil-depleting farm practices were used.
Heifer’s sustainable approach to ending hunger and poverty empowers one family, one animal
at a time. It’s not temporary relief. It’s not a handout. It’s securing a future with
generations of people who have hope, health and dignity,
Every gift of an animal provides benefits such as milk, eggs, wool and fertilizer,
increasing family incomes for better housing, nutrition, health care and school fees
for children.
Recipients “Pass on the Gift” of offspring of their cows, goats and other livestock to
others in an ever-widening circle of hope.
We encourage you to learn more about this wonderful organization at www.heifer.org,
and we want to hear your ideas for helping people help themselves.
About Lucuma Designs: Since 1998, Lucuma Designs has promoted the best of Peruvian folk art and fine craftsmanship
while helping artists and small producers improve their livelihoods and keeping traditions alive. Lucuma Designs
is a proud member and supporter of the Fair Trade Federation, a non-profit association of businesses helping
disadvantaged producers all over the world through sustainable business practices. Lucuma collaborates with a network
of about 20 family workshops and small producers, reaching over 200 artists throughout Peru. Lucuma and Lucuma Designs
are trademarks of Lucuma Designs in the United States and/or other countries. All other names are trademarks or
registered trademarks of their respective companies.
Back to In the News
|
|
