so many times when i listen to what is going on in different parts of the world, i get overwhelmed by the poverty, sickness, and horrible condition of people. usually, i end up feeling very frustrated because it seems like there is nothing i can do to make a difference. but, i have to believe that even small choices i make can make a difference. i got this email recently from oxfam america about the situation with coffee farmers around the world. i don't know how many of you are coffee drinkers, but please consider how you can be a part of changing things for these families:

"...you have probably heard about the "coffee crisis." What exactly is it? Extremely low coffee bean prices ó often below the actual cost of growing and picking them ó are taking a terrible toll on the 25 million coffee producers and their families who rely on coffee farming for their survival.

With current coffee prices, many growers are losing hope. Luz Marina Zuluaga, whose family has for generations grown coffee on a few acres of land in Fresno, Colombia, remarks: "Though we have tried to do our best, we have very little support. There is nothing from our own government or from those responsible for the coffee businesses in my own country. How am I going to respond to my children?"

You may have also heard that Oxfam and the eCommunity have made strides in alleviating the coffee crisis. The US has recently rejoined the International Coffee Organization. Coffee giant Procter & Gamble now offers a brand of Fair Trade CertifiedTM coffee. (Initially available only online, it should soon be available in supermarkets.) In fact, over 300 companies now offer Fair Trade CertifiedTM coffee ñ that is, coffee sold by companies that give growers a fair price for their beans.

What can you do to help? First, if you're not already purchasing Fair Trade CertifiedTM coffee, please do so.

Second, please help us move Fair Trade CertifiedTM products from the organic and specialty shelves of your local supermarket to the main coffee aisle, alongside the major brands. Just scroll to the bottom of this email and click on your local grocery store to send their parent company an email. Ask them to carry more Fair Trade CertifiedTM products and also to make the products more visible.

Getting Fair Trade CertifiedTM products into major supermarkets, where most of us shop for our groceries, will help consumers vote with their dollars every day. It will allow you and other consumers to help those 25 million coffee producers and their families, like Luz Marina's, receive a sustainable, living wage. Help us increase the pressure by spreading the word to your friends and asking them to contact their supermarket.
Thanks again for your support.

Sincerely,
David Moore, Internet Campaign OrganizerShayna Harris, Fair Trade Coffee Organizer
Oxfam America "

Click on your local grocery store to send an email their parent company!

Albertson's

Kroger

Visit Oxfam America's website.