As you may know, on June 3, 2018, Volcan de Fuego erupted, bringing destruction to the communities in its shadow. Over 100 people were killed in the event, with many more injured or missing. Many coffee farms are present around the volcano, and were hard hit with the ashfall that buried their crops, and displaced several families from their homes and jobs.
As part of our mission, we seek to establish direct relationships with the farmers that grow the coffees we offer. Part of that relationship is lending support to the farmers in times of need, and this is one of those times. At the Waitsfield Farmers Market, we have had a donation box out to collect funds for relief. We are working with Anacafe, the Guatemalan governmental association for coffee, and Funcafe, the Guatemalan coffee foundation for rural development. After reaching out to Anacafe, they informed us that they have been receiving much physical supplies in the form of bottled water, dry goods and paper products, but are lacking the financial aid required for both short and long term coffee crop recovery, reconstruction relief efforts and housing those displaced.
As of this post, 7/12/18, KS Coffee has received $47 USD from donors at our farmer's market stand. We are ecstatic to have such a caring community! KS Coffee has made a donation of $150 USD with this money, and we hope to give more. If you would like to join us in supporting the coffee farmers of Guatemala, please follow the link below:
http://www.midamcorp.com/givejoy2one/alliances.html
Currently, KS Coffee is offering a Guatemalan coffee from the farmer, Luis Pedro Zelaya, from the Sacatepequez region of Antigua-one of the hardest hit regions. While Luis Pedro was fortunate that his farm did not see the destruction others have, he does offer milling services to neighboring farms, and reports that several of those neighboring coffee farmers (his friends and family) have been affected, with some having much of their crop decimated. We have been in touch with him to see what we can further offer or send.
Thank you for supporting us and our mission to harbor supportive relationships along the coffee supply chain.