Real food

A bank that cares about what you eat - launched April 1998

At The Co-operative bank, we believe that in order to really enjoy our food, we need to eat it with a clear conscience. A balanced diet should mean one that takes into account the health and happiness of all concerned, not just the individual consumer.

Our Ethical Policy touches on the issue in many areas - in support of Fair Trade, in our refusal to invest in businesses involved in Genetic Modification or intensive farming methods such as caged egg production. Furthermore, we actively support sustainable natural products such as organic produce, and farming methods which promote animal welfare such as free range farming.

The fair trade coffee challenge

Having shown that it was possible to stock Fair Trade tea and coffee in our own vending machines, and that customers and staff enjoyed it, we decided to challenge other companies to do the same. We wrote to hundreds of companies, laying down the challenge to switch to Fair Trade.

This important initiative was instrumental in encouraging many other companies and organisations to support the Fair Trade cause, not least The Co-operative Group's food retail business who now carry a full range of Fair Trade products such as chocolate, coffee, bananas and wine.

You voted, we donated

On the basis of votes cast by our customers, the bank made donations to the following four charities:

The Fairtrade foundation

Works with small farmer co-ops in the Third World to ensure they receive a fair deal and price for their crops. The fair price ensure that small farmers can afford to send their children to school, repair their homes, plan for the future and take more control over their lives. Received £9,050

Compassion in world farming

Is Britain's leading farm animal welfare organisation and has been campaigning for the humane treatment of farm animals for over 35 years. Received £7,500

Genewatch

Conducts independent research on genetically engineered foods and produces public information to challenge industry and press for public influence. Received £4,325

Soil Association

The leading campaigning force for the advancement of organic food and farming and sustainable forestry. Received £4,125

Find out about the Bank's current campaign