“The Price of Sugar” documentary screened September 27, 2012

Overflow Coffee Bar , 1550 S. State St., will be hosting a screening of the documentary film, The Price of Sugar, September 27, 2012 at 7 p.m. Suggested Donation: $7.

About the Film
In the Dominican Republic, a tropical island-nation, tourists flock to pristine beaches unaware that a few miles away, thousands of dispossessed Haitians have toiled under armed-guard on plantations harvesting sugarcane, much of which ends up in U.S. kitchens. They work grueling hours and frequently lack decent housing, clean water, electricity, education or healthcare. Narrated by Paul Newman, The Price of Sugar follows Father Christopher Hartley, a charismatic Spanish priest, as he organizes some of this hemisphere’s poorest people to fight for their basic human rights. This film raises key questions about where the products we consume originate and at what human cost they are produced.

Discussion Afterward
Representatives from Chicago Fair Trade will lead the discussion after the film.

Schedule
7:00 - Welcome and Introduction
7:10 - Film begins
8:40 - Film concludes. Bathroom and coffee break
8:50 - Discussion facilitated by Chicago Fair Trade

Transit/Parking
While Overflow encourages the use of public transit (Red Line, #29, #62 and other buses are close), limited parking is available in the rear of the building on a first come first served basis. Bring $3 for your spot. No one will be in the lot to take it. You can pay at the ticket check-in table.

Buy some coffee and change the world

One cup at a time

A few weeks ago, I wrote about a young couple (Amanda and Brandon Neely) who are working hard to open a coffee bar in the South Loop, Overflow Coffee Bar.

Part of their mission is to serve direct and fair trade coffees. By buying and serving only direct and fair trade coffees, coffee farmers are ensured a fair price for their crop. This enables them to support their families and local economies.

My favorite new brew
As part of my research, I discovered a direct trade Guatemalan whole bean coffee that I think is the perfect roast to start off the day. It's a smooth blend that has hints of chocolate and nutty flavors. It's my new favorite brew.

To find out more about direct and fair trade coffees, check out the Overflow Coffee Bar Web site. Please consider buying some coffee from Overflow. If you do, you will not only be supporting coffee growers around the world, but helping the Neely's open Overflow Coffee Bar here in the South Loop.

Free delivery is available within a certain radius of the South Loop.

OVERFLOW Hits the Streets of the South Loop of Chicago from Brandon Neely on Vimeo.