Shining A Light

“The story of change is written in action.”

• End It Movement

Today is “Shine a Light on Slavery Day”. Believe it or not, there are more people trapped in slavery today than any previous point in human history. Men, women, and children are being trafficked for labor and sex across the globe, but it’s not just an “out there” problem. It’s happening in your neighborhood or city.

Why do I bring this up? Because, sadly, the chocolate industry has a part to play and a tale to tell when it comes to human trafficking.

I’ve shared previously that 60% of the world’s cocoa comes from Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. Recent estimates report 1.56 million children are engaged in hazardous work on cocoa farms in these countries. Not only are the jobs these children are undertaking dangerous, but it prevents them from getting an education. Every child should have the opportunity to have a childhood, to go to school, and to work toward a bright and fair future.

So, what can you do about it? Find your local bean-to-bar chocolate makers (like me!). Do your research. Ask questions! Find out how they source their beans and other ingredients. Doing so could literally save lives.