2. Producers: Supporting the Hands That Feed Us
Bible Commentary:
The Bible consistently promotes justice and fairness for workers, particularly those who are vulnerable. Leviticus 19:13 instructs, “Do not defraud or rob your neighbour. Do not hold back the wages of a hired worker overnight,” and Deuteronomy 24:14-15 stresses the importance of paying labourers promptly and fairly. James 5:4 warns that those who exploit workers for profit will face God’s judgment: “The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you.” These verses challenge us to reflect on the human cost of our food systems. Fair wages, ethical treatment, and support for small-scale farmers are all aspects of how we can honour God by respecting the dignity of food producers.
Discussion Questions:
- How does James 5:4 challenge the ethics of modern food production?
- What can we do to support fair trade and ensure just treatment for food producers globally?
- How does our faith call us to be advocates for those who work in the food industry?
Event Suggestions:
Host a Fair Trade Tasting Event where participants can sample a variety of ethically sourced products such as chocolate, coffee, or fruit. Use this opportunity to educate attendees about the importance of fair wages for producers. You could show short videos or invite a guest speaker from a fair trade organisation to explain how supporting fair trade impacts farmers’ lives. After the tasting, facilitate a Bible study on Leviticus 19:13 and James 5:4, and encourage group discussion on how their purchasing decisions can reflect God’s concern for justice.
Activity Ideas:
- Create a Fair Trade Commitment Wall, where participants can pledge to buy more fair trade products.
- Set up a stall offering fair trade products for sale and donate proceeds to a charity supporting farmers.