Shoppers in lunchtime munch for Fairtrade
Paisley shoppers helped munch their way to a fairer deal for people in the developing world when they popped by a special Fairtrade cookery event.
Hundreds of passers-by at Paisley’s Piazza stopped for a taste of free food samples at the lunchtime event, held as part of Fairtrade Fortnight.
Chefs from local restaurant La Rambla, in the town’s Renfrew Road, whipped up tasty treats including homemade paella for the crowd, using Fairtrade ingredients.
Fairtrade is a scheme which sees producers in the developing world given a fair price for their goods, which are sold in this country under a specially-branded Fairtrade mark.
Councillors Derek Bibby and Brian Lawson – who are both members of Renfrewshire’s Fairtrade Steering Group – popped by to taste the Fairtrade fayre.
The food was served up by La Rambla chef Anita Chauhan, who also provided cookery demonstrations for the passing crowd.
The mobile cookery facilities were provided by the Co-operative, with management at The Piazza kindly providing space within the centre.
Councillor Mark Macmillan, Convener of Renfrewshire’s Fairtrade Steering Group, said: “This was just one of many events which took place around the area for Fairtrade Fortnight involving members of the community.
“Local schoolchildren held their own activities – from tuck shops and assemblies to rice sales – while members of local Fairtrade groups also did their bit to help raise awareness of the cause in their own towns and villages.
“This all helped to shine the spotlight on the Fairtrade cause, and of the good work done by the Fairtrade Foundation around the world, and I would like to thank everybody who took part.
“I would also like to give a special thank you to the management and staff at La Rambla and from The Piazza, as this well-attended event couldn’t have been staged without their help.”
For more information on Fairtrade, visit www.fairtrade.org