Luke Sandford
For the first time in recent years, JYM has been without an ethically sourced Quaker run tuck shop. Previously, the arrangements committee has provided Fairtrade products sold by volunteers at JYM, but this year we have relied on the Pioneer Centre's facilities, provoking some controversy.
There seems to have been much confusion over this issue. Arrangements did buy in chocolate to stock a Quaker tuck shop, but gave it away during epilogue instead, as they were allegedly not allowed to sell it themselves.
As well as not stocking fair-trade, they sell nestle products, which has also angered some participants. When I asked JYMers, many of them were disappointed that the shop did not sell Fairtrade, and were prepared to simply not buy the Nestlé products, and stick to Cadbury's.
Some felt much more strongly, including Libby Cooper, who gave the newsletter team an exclusive frontline interview. She said "Why don't they just sell fair-trade products, the coffee provided is, so why not sell fair-trade?"
When questioned, a pioneer centre employee said they did not buy Fairtrade, as in the normal use of the centre, there is not enough demand for it.
Libby herself has boycotted the tuck shop. She said, "I can handle a few days without chocolate…hopefully…"
The general consensus was that it would be sensible for the centre's shop to sell the chocolate bars bought by Arrangements Committee.
Personally, I cannot find fault with the Pioneers Centre's explanation of a lack of demand for Fairtrade produce, and I am glad the coffee provided is fair-trade, though that is supplied be Friends House. Possibly next time better coordination between the centre and committee will result in an ethical solution we can all be happy with.