Project update - summer 2006

Sustain has been contracted by Young Co-operatives to assess the implications of new nutritional criteria for Fairtrade food and drink products sold in schools. This is a six-month freelance contract (running October 2006 to March 2007).

Young Co-operatives is a not-for-profit organisation that offers young people (usually aged 13-17), a practical introduction to fair trade and co-operative working. It gives them the chance to run their own co-operative selling fairly traded products, acquiring valuable business skills and making a positive difference to the lives of third world producers and their families. Unfortunately, many of the products currently sold by members in schools – such as chocolate – are likely to fall foul of the new nutrition rules.

Sustain will draw up recommendations and a 'market outlook' for Young Co-operatives, schools, school food suppliers and fair trade manufacturers. Further, it will help Young Co-operatives to re-launch its online store, and to create promotional leaflets.

Congratulations to the young co-operatives at St Aidan's Catholic School in Sunderland for winning the Healthy Schools and Fair trade Project Hamper and thank you to everyone who returned their survey's.