Making Every Dollar Count

Our wallets have power. And what better way to put them to good use than through quality products we love? Next time you’re stocking up on your favorite specialty foods, keep an eye out for those that give back—and there are many. Here are just a few that support important causes, from educating inner-city youth to fighting hunger and poverty. This year, put your money where your mouth—and heart—is.—Denise Shoukas

Savannah Bee Company: Give to Heifer International

Savannah Bee Company has partnered with Heifer International to purchase and package this tropical honey from community beekeeping programs in Honduras. The Heifer Peace Honey ($15/12 oz.; savannahbee.com) is softly sweet with earthy notes; it makes a delicious dip for pretzel sticks or an unexpected accent in an exotic fruit salad. Savannah Bee donates $3 from the sale of each bottle to Heifer International for their efforts to end hunger and poverty through sustainable aid for families in locations spanning five continents.

Canaan Fair Trade: Help Palestinian Farmers

Cannan Fair Trade brings high-quality products made by more than 1,700 small farmers in the embattled city of Jenin to U.S. consumers through its Trees of Life program. Not only has Canaan donated an estimated 80,000 olive trees to small farmers and others whose crops had been destroyed, but the organization also empowers the community through such efforts as awarding university scholarships to farmers’ children and growing women’s cooperatives. Every product sold benefits these communities and projects. Visit canaanusa.com to check the gourmet selections, such as Nabali Green Olive Tapenade ($8/180 g jar) and Rumi Tree Olive Oil ($15/500 ml bottle).

Root Cellar Preserves: Support Historic Preservation

By contributing 10 percent of profits and a lot of elbow grease, Root Cellar Preserves is helping to preserve historic sites and buildings in the United States. Whether mowing the lawn and trimming the bushes of a Weston, Mass., house built in 1720 or providing barn doors and carpentry work for a farmstead in Corinth, Vt., Root Cellar is committed to helping communities that lack the funding to preserve their historic relics. Even better, you can contribute just by enjoying any of their homemade pickled and preserved goods, such as Bread & Butter Pickles ($6.99/16 oz. jar) and Sweet Corn Relish ($6.99/16 oz. jar).

Rishi Tea: Give to Jane Goodall Institute’s Roots & Shoots Program

Buy the award-winning Masala Chai Concentrate ($9/32 fl. oz.; rishi-tea.com) and a portion of the cost goes directly to the Roots and Shoots program, which engages and empowers youth groups to improve their local communities. The tea is made using single origin black tea harvested in Yunnan, China, fresh spices and real vanilla. Further, Rishi Tea funnels other revenues into the Mannong Manmai project in China, which is the source for the organic, fair-trade black tea in this chai.

Kopali Organics: Advocate Sustainable Farming

Kopali Organics was founded with the intention of restoring the art of farming around the world. The company sources fresh fruit and cacao from cooperative farms throughout South America and as far away as Africa to create products that include chocolate-covered fruits, including Organic Chocolate Covered Dried Bananas ($4.39/2 oz.) and dried-fruit treats, such as Organic Dried Mango ($4.39/1.8 oz.) with no added sugar. All products benefit the farmers and their communities, and your taste buds will thank you too.

Little Ragghi’s Crackers: Support Native American Communities

Named after a long-time friend and colleague of its founder, Little Ragghi’s Crackers ($6.99/box;) are a delicious snack that gives back to the Native American International Caucus Leadership Academy (NAIC)’s Native American Family Camp, an annual event that brings together communities in support of the challenges faced by modern-day Native Americans, through education, religion (the NAIC is partnered with the United Methodist Church) and youth-focused activities. Little Ragghi’s Crackers are handmade and -prepared flatbread crackers are handmade with real Parmesan cheese and a touch of olive oil.

Ajiri Tea Company: Empower Kenyan women and children

A desire to create long-term solutions to poverty inspired this company not only to employ women in Western Kenya to create stunning packaging but also to provide an education and a sense of family for the villages’ orphans. The tea itself has earned recognition, winning multiple awards since its launch. Proceeds from sales of the Kenyan Black Tea ($3.50/3.5 oz.; ajiritea.com) help send local orphans to school and provides resources for women in the community to make a living and support their community.

Endangered Species Chocolate: Help the Planet

With a name like Endangered Species Chocolate, you know your purchase is doing some good. Since the company’s inception in 1993, it has fulfilled this promise by donating 10 percent of net profits to nonprofit organizations that support ESC’s mission of bringing balance among habitat, humanity and species. Visit chocolatebar.com to browse its chocolates offerings, such as Organic Dark Chocolate with Cacao Nibs, Yacon and Acai ($3.89/3 oz.; chocolatebar.com).

Paramount Coffee: Take your pick of coffee and causes

Paramount Coffee, an employee-owned company that has manufactured coffee products since 1935, supports causes important to its employees—from helping area children to supporting farmers in Rwanda—using proceeds from the sales of various product lines. Proceeds from the Fair Trade Rwanda coffee ($1.39/1.75 oz. pouch) aid farmers in the war-torn country; the Ele’s Place blend ($8.99/12 oz.) contributes to the eponymous organization that provides emotional support for grieving children; and the National Cherry Festival ($9.49/12 oz.) line supports its namesake, celebrating the fruit and the festival’s history.

Numi Tea: Support Inner City Kids and the Environment

In business for more than 10 years, Numi Tea is committed to giving back through its own nonprofit foundation. Setting aside one percent of profits from the company’s new Pu-erh product line to give to social and environmental causes, Numi Tea has also established a carbon-offset program, ensuring its own emissions are offset through donations to domestic wind-energy and international water-treatment projects. The Pu-erh line comprises four varieties, including Magnolia, a blend of rich black Pu-erh and magnolia-scented green tea ($8.99/16 bags; numitea.com).

Breast cancer awareness programs have the good fortune of many business-based supporters. Check out the companies whose limited-edition offerings sprang up during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October (View Buy Pink article), and keep an eye out for their continued support this fall.

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