What’s even scarier than the scariest of Halloween costumes? How about the labor abuses suffered by women and children in third world countries?

This year, little Hannah Montanas and Harry Potters can have a treat up their sleeves as they get out the word about beneficial Fair Trade sales to the homes they visit on October 31st.

It’s called Reverse Trick-or-Treating and allows participants in the U.S. and Canada not just to receive candy from neighbors but also distribute Fair Trade certified chocolate donated by companies. The participants are looking to promote the work they are doing to give poor people a fighting chance to make a living and provide for their families.

A card accompanying the chocolate informs recipients of poverty and child labor problems rampant in the cocoa industry that produces much of the bite-size candy eaten at Halloween and other products consumed throughout the year. It explains how Fair Trade certified chocolate combats that poverty by supporting and creating labor opportunities.

The candy has been generously donated by Equal Exchange, Alter Ego, Sweet Earth and La Siembra. The participating non-profit organizations taking the lead in the effort include:

• Africa Action
• Amherst Fair Trade Partnership
• Ballston Spa Fair Trade Coalition
• Fair Trade Federation
• Global Exchange
• Green America
• International Labor Rights Forum
• Jeannette Rankin Peace Center
• Montclair Fair Trade Coalition
• Not For Sale
• Oasis/Stop The Traffik
• San Diego Friends of Fair Trade
• Taos Fair Trade Steering Committee
• Unitarian Universalist Service Committee
• United Methodist Church (UMCOR/GBC

You can order the chocolate and cards for free from Global Exchange’s Sweet Smarts Network from now until the October 1st deadline and will only be charged $5.50 for shipping and packing supplies. Just fill out the order form and you are on your way.

Let us know how your neighbors responded to the lovely gesture of receiving not just a thank you but also a chocolate from your family this year.

Image: Matt McGee