Consumers have more power today than at any time in American history. Food activists and everyday consumers are making their voices heard through boycotts (refusing to buy from certain companies) and BUYcotts (deliberately buying to support a specific company or policy). During this presentation and conversation, we will briefly outline the role food activists have played in American history, from the American Revolution and later the Abolitionist Movement to today’s activism targeting companies like Nestle, Monsanto, and Starbucks. Then we will focus much of our time on the limits and possibilities of cooperative food stores and the ability to create change while shopping on a budget.

This workshop is part of a series of programs in honor of Co-op Month, celebrated annually in October across the United States for more than half a century. During Co-op Month, cooperative businesses reflect on their shared principles and work to spread the good word about cooperative enterprise, working to educate others about the value of belonging to a cooperative.

The program will be led by Keith Brown, an associate professor of sociology with an expertise in fair trade, consumer behavior and ethical consumption. He has been quoted in the New York Times, has spoken on National Public Radio, and has written a book, Buying into Fair Trade, about the limits and possibilities of fair trade and shopping for a cause.

The program will be held at the Upper Dublin Public Library, and is FREE. REGISTER HERE.