THE aisles of the Co-op in Old Town were transformed into a Fairtrade classroom this week when Lethbridge Primary School pupils learnt about the importance of Fairtrade Fortnight.

Running between February 27 and March 12, the annual two-week event aims to raise awareness of supporting underpaid farmers and food producers in developing countries.

All this week, pupils from Lethbridge Primary visited the Co-op where they sampled some Fairtrade products, took part in treasure hunts to find them in store as well as hearing about the difference selling fairly traded products makes to Fairtrade producers.

Earlier in the week, the pupils had a visit from an ambassador from distant shores whose life has been transformed by Fairtrade. Patrick Kaberia Muthaura from the Michimikuru Tea Company, Kenya, hosted an assembly at the school to encourage the children to think about where their food comes from.

Year 2 teacher Kylie Humphries said every pupil walked away with a smile on their face as the exercise was not only informative but also fun.

“A lot of the children don’t know where their food comes from and all of the processes involved in the growing of ingredients to them arriving in a store and then their homes.

“The pupils have absolutely loved themselves by coming here and it is nice to develop the links with the local community. We’ve had parents evening all this week and many have said their children have talked about Fairtrade when out shopping so it is lovely to see them engaged and interested.”

As part of Fairtrade Fortnight, the Mid Counties Co-Operative have also introduced their first ‘Fairtrade Shopping List’ recipe booklet to tie into the event’s theme of ‘Take a Fairtrade Break’.

The shopping list, which includes offers on Fairtrade products and recipes to encourage shoppers to recreate their own dishes using fairly-sourced products, are available in their supermarkets across the town.

Lee Stapleton, Co-op Old Town store manager said: “We’ve had 140 pupils come into the store over two days to learn about Fairtrade and there has been a fantastic response from them and their teachers.

“In previous years, we have gone into schools to do an assembly about Fairtrade but with the pupils coming here and being able to see the products and hear about where they come from has worked out really well.

“The Co-op has an amazing amount of products that are Fairtrade and all of our own brand teas, coffees and chocolate are Fairtrade and that is something we hope to branch out in the future.”

For more information www.co-operativefood.co.uk/food-matters/fairtrade-ethical-trading.