Solent goes bananas for Fairtrade fortnight
Southampton Solent University is celebrating Fairtrade’s 20th anniversary in the UK, with a fortnight of educational activities and taster session planned to amplify Fairtrade’s awareness among staff and students (24 February – 7 March).
A host of events activities and food sampling sessions, supported by the University's official catering provider Sodexo and Solent Student's Union will be taking place at both the East Park Terrace campus and the University’s Warsash Maritime Academy, including: free samples of Fairtrade banana smoothies, Fairtrade gift stalls, free tasters of Fairtrade chocolate and coffee, Fairtrade Fashion sale, and a pedal-powered smoothie-making session on a custom made exercise bike.
Fairtrade Fortnight 2014 marks the launch of a unique nationwide campaign that aims to transform the banana industry to ensure those at the sharp end of the supply chain, the millions of struggling banana farmers and workers, get a fair deal.
Over the past 10 years, the typical price of a banana in the UK has nearly halved, whilst the cost of production has doubled. Fairtrade are raising awareness to investigate unfair supermarket pricing practices, and act to protect the producers of the UK’s favourite fruit.
Lindy Jessup, Solent University’s Hospitality Services Manager said, “The events planned this fortnight are key to raising awareness among our student population and encouraging people to choose to consume Fairtrade and ethically-produced goods. We consistently ensure Fairtrade products are available for sale in the University’s restaurants, campus shops, cafes and other outlets and we are regularly expanding our procurement of Fairtrade products.”
The University – including the Students’ Union - is renewing its Fairtrade status and its Fairtrade policy, which is signed by Student Union President, Christina Stone, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Richard Blackwell.
Visit www.solentsu.co.uk/fairtrade for more information on all the events going on at Solent University during Fairtrade Fortnight (24 February – 7 March).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT THE MEDIA OFFICE ON 023 8031 9079 or press.office@solent.ac.uk
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