Melissa Hemsley is a chef, an activist and an ambassador for the Fairtrade Foundation. During Fairtrade Fortnight – the organisation’s annual campaign, which this year runs for two weeks until 12 March – thousands of individuals, companies and groups across the UK come together to share the stories of the often exploited, underpaid people who grow everything from our food and the ingredients in our drinks (such as tea, coffee and wine) to the cotton in our clothes.
Here, Melissa, who is expecting her first child with art-curator partner Henry Ralph this summer, talks exclusively to hello! about why Fairtrade matters, her role with the foundation and how everyone can live a simpler, more sustainable life.
Melissa, why is it important to choose Fairtrade when you shop?
“Fairtrade is a simple but effective way to make a difference to the lives of the people who grow and create the things we love. By choosing Fairtrade when you shop, you are not only getting high-quality products, but also investing in the farmers behind them.
“Despite their hard work, most farmers in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean don’t earn enough to meet their households’ needs, because the
