Hounslow Council has called on residents to munch their way through tonnes of chocolate, cakes and assorted goodies for Fairtrade Fortnight.
The two-week scheme began on Monday and there are a number of tastings and talks planned across the borough where you can find out more about the initiative.
The Open Café, in St Paul's Road, Brentford, became one of the first outlets in the area to offer Fairtrade goods, which guarantee a fair deal for producers in the developing world, at the turn of the century.
The scheme's popularity has since rocketed and Hounslow achieved Fairtrade Status two years ago in recognition of the fact associated products are widely available from grocers and restaurants here.
Denise Colliver, project manager at the Open Café, said it was vital people continued to back the initiative.
"We feel very strongly about supporting Third World farmers who are working so hard to make a decent living," she added.
"Fairtrade Fortnight is an opportunity for people to sample the goods and discover they're as good as, if not better than, those made by the big multi-nationals."
Denise added that Fairtrade goods, which tend to be slightly dearer than their competitors, had so far proved recession-proof because shoppers were willing to shell out an extra 10p for tastier food.
Council leader Peter Thompson urged the uninitiated to do their bit for around five million people in the developing world by switching to Fairtrade goods.
"It's a great way to make a big difference through simple gestures like buying a banana or enjoying a bar of chocolate," he added.
Events across Hounslow during Fairtrade Fortnight
Sunday, March 1, 10am: Holy Communion Service with a sermon about fair trade at St Paul's Church, St Paul's Road, Brentford
Tuesday, March 3, 1pm: Songs of Praise for Fairtrade - brief lunchtime service full of songs at St Paul's Church, Brentford
Wednesday, March 4, 10-11.30am: Hounslow Fairtrade Tea Break - special tasting session at the Café Parkside in the Civic Centre, Lampton Road, Hounslow
Sunday, March 8, 10am: Holy Communion Service with a sermon about fair trade at St Faith's Church, Windmill Road, Brentford
The Open House Café will also be hosting a number of events during the fortnight from Monday to Friday, 11am-2pm. Meals will include lime & ginger cheesecakes, banoffee pie and quinou spaghetti.
