Listen to the Farmers of Namanyonyi

Thanksgiving Coffee recently participated in a study called “The Farmers Thriving Index” conducted by 60 decibels who tracks social impact measurements on the ground directly from the farmers themselves. The primary goal was to confirm the findings we had discovered and to validate our shift in focus to “Health and Happiness” as the best way to support our coffee farmers at the Namanyonyi cooperative in Uganda.

85% of the Farmers Report Improved Health

The findings of this report have exceeded our initial report on our Clean Water Project by showing that 85% of the Farmers interviewed report improved household health because of the water filters, and 78% report a reduction in healthcare costs.

Members of the Namanyonyi Community of Shalom Interfaith Cooperative during a clean water training in Uganda

A total Shift in the Way We Support Farmers

This is a huge moment for us as it confirms what our Co-founder Paul Katzeff has be developing over the past several years. The concept is that when the health of the family is increased, the wealth of the household simultaneously increases as well. This study proved that 78% of the Namanyonyi coffee farmers income has been freed from health care costs. That is a huge change, and a big influx of money that can be invested into the wellbeing of the family, rather than going to doctors and medicines.

This is a total shift from the way our company looked at supporting farmers in the past. We thought that if we paid more for the beans it would translate into a better lifestyle for the farmers. Unfortunately, this was not the case, and after 30 years we can now prove this new concept. 

Results from Farmers Thriving Index , pg 14

Potential for Entire Industry Shift

Learn More

The Namanyonyi co-op study was also included in a larger index with a focus on farmers nationwide in Uganda, as well as Rwanda. To learn more about the national findings you can read it here in the Daily Coffee News.

2024 Coffee Farmer Thriving Index

It is our hope that the coffee industry will learn to shift towards the common good of all farmers with health and happiness for all.

Enjoy the Delicious Peace coffees grown by the Namanyonyi Co-op

Though relatively small in membership, SOPPEXCCA has emerged as Jinotega’s leading cooperative. The cooperative represents 654 families and is recognized around the world as a leader in the movement to empower small-scale farmers, especially women and youth. SOPPEXCCA has built primary schools in its member communities, alongside pharmacies, cooperative grocery stores, and technical assistance centers. Extensive micro-credit programs offer members access to financing at a discount of 75% compared to locally available commercial finance. Long-term work to develop sustainable coffee production has resulted in a cooperatively-owned organic fertilizer production facility, innovative climate change adaptation efforts, and of course, ongoing coffee quality improvement programs.

Thanksgiving Coffee Company is happy to announce the launch of our newest Impact Report, which combines both 2022 and 2023.

Over the past several years our company has evolved into a regenerative business model. This is where we grow our ability to inspire possibility and awaken potential in both our employees, the coffee industry and our planet.  

Our company is built on a foundation of caring, looking beyond immediate gratification and instead growing deeper connections with our farmers, our coffee products and the way in which we do our business.

In this report we have outlined several of our initiatives for you to dive deeper into what we care about and why we do what we do. We hope you gain more insight and find some inspiration from our latest impact report.

“CasparFest”

The annual fundraiser for The Caspar Community Center happened on Sunday, July 21st...and Thanksgiving Coffee Company was there!

Jennifer and Joe serving Thanksgiving Coffee

CasparFest 2024

The annual major fundraiser for The Caspar Community Center “CasparFest” happened on Sunday the 21st... and Thanksgiving Coffee Company was there! Hundreds of attendees including the local “Casparados” were in attendance with many other friends from around the area and tourists as well.

The town of Caspar, a former lumber mill and cattle ranch, is a small community, halfway between Fort Bragg and the Village of Mendocino, surrounded on three sides by CA State Parks (Jughandle, Jackson State Demonstration Forest and Russian Gulch) and the fourth side is bordered by the Pacific Ocean. Officially, Caspar is an unincorporated part of Mendocino County with a population of about 500 as per the 2020 census. I'm almost positive that every single one of them was there - either helping to make food, serve guests, or helping in other ways to make the magic happen at this largest single fundraiser for their Community Center annually.

Jennifer Brown and Joe Seta at the Thanksgiving Coffee Company booth

Caspar Community Center in full festivities

The Casper Community Center is really the town hub offering an array of classes and a location for events, including concerts, community breakfasts, meetings, and much more.

There was an abundance of vendors. food and music all day from bluegrass, Americana, salsa, folk, Jazz, and other ethnic music with many types of dance including youth from Caspar Ballet and Grupo Folklorico, and general boogieing for 8 hours. Music provided by Tropiqueño, Gwyneth Moreland and Angie Heimann, The Old Growth Jazz Club, and Whiskey Wristwatch.

Tropiqueño inciting the dancers to groove!

The largest annual fundraiser for The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens happened on Saturday and Sunday, August 3rd and 4th... and Thanksgiving Coffee Company was there!

Art in The Gardens 2024

The 31st year of Art in the Gardens was a special weekend which brought together a diverse audience, including art enthusiasts, music lovers, local community members, and dedicated volunteers. Visitors were able to see the stunning dahlias in full bloom, enjoy local beer, wine, food, coffee, live music, ariel and dance performances, and support various artisans who generously donate a portion of their sales to the Gardens.

With more than 2,200 visitors and generous donors contributing a total of $74,367.96 (after expenses!) it's clear that Art in the Gardens continues to be a resounding success. This level of support is a testament to the event's popularity and the strong backing of the community. The funds raised will undoubtedly have a significant positive impact on the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, allowing for continued growth and improvements.

Jennifer Brown at the Thanksgiving Coffee Company booth

Art in The Gardens in full swing

"47 Acres to the Sea", the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens is a local treasure!

Circus Mecca took flight!

Redwood Coast Recreation Center Benefit

On Saturday, August 17, a benefit was held in the Sea Ranch Del Mar Center to help raise funds for the Redwood Coast Recreation Center which was lost in a tragic arson fire. This event was joyous and delicious with an array of sweet treats and decadent cheeses, to pair with wine and, of course, great coffee from us.

Cheeses From Penny Royal Farm, Valley Ford Creamery, Marin French Cheese, and Bohemian Creamery

Wines from Handley Cellars, Woodenhead, Wild Hog, Fort Ross, and Pacific Sar Wineries

Desserts from Franny's Cup and Saucer

Goodies from Trinks Cafe and 2 Fish Bakeries

• A single origin light roast from Guatemala
• A medium roast blend with our award-winning Mocha Java
• Our SongBird Colombian dark roast, plus
• A delicious decaffeinated offering – Royal Decaf.

The 53rd annual World's Largest Salmon BBQ happened again this year on July 6th, and once again - Thanksgiving Coffee Company was there.

Carlos Hernandez & Sienna Reno enjoying Thanksgiving Coffee

The 53rd annual World's Largest Salmon BBQ

This annual event raises funds for restoring salmon habitat with the goal of returning the salmon population to a sustainable balance. Currently, the salmon fishing season is closed in California for the second year in a row to allow the salmon population to rebuild. It has been deeply affected over the last several years due to drought, spawning ground habitat damage, and other factors. For the second year in a row the half-ton of salmon that was donated for the BBQ originated from Alaska. Dozens of local and regional sponsors come together to make this event happen!

In addition to serving hot specialty coffee as usual, we raised our game by serving multiple gallons of 4 varieties - Ethiopian Natural light roast, Paul's Blend medium roast, Noyo Harbor French very dark roast, and Royal Decaf. Additionally, nearly 3000 attendees were introduced to our new Nitro cold coffee with its creamy mouthfeel and cooling chill!

Jennifer Brown at the Thanksgiving Coffee Company Booth

It was a very hot day, by Fort Bragg standards (about 75°) so many of the attendees requested to enjoy their coffee over ice, and we were happy to oblige. Jennifer and I made everyone feel welcome and well caffeinated. Two other local B Corporations were represented as well; North Coast Brewing Company and Bonterra organic wines.

The very happy Bonterra Organic Estates wines booth, another B Corp in Mendocino County.

The North Coast Brewing Company  booth

One of the acts "West of Nowhere" featuring from left to right; Dan Mello, Phil Dunn, Sean Van Buskirk

It's our annual privilege to build a pop-up coffee shop in the middle of a field on the shores of Noyo Harbor, but this year I took it to an even higher level - I emceed the event, thanking the dozens of sponsors and introducing the 10 acts that performed that day.

Joe Seta as Emcee of the Salmon BBQ this year. Photo by Eric Fngal

Thanksgiving Coffee Company had the privilege to co-sponsor the “Native Cinema” event along with Xa Kako Dile: in the main tent at the 2024 Mendocino Film Festival. The sold out audience was alerted at the introduction that the next two and a half hours could make them feel “uncomfortable” and the truths that were shared at this event were even more than that word conveyed.

Corine Pearce - Pomo Basket Weaver

There were beautiful short films on the artistry and teaching of the world-renowned Pomo basketry with Corine Pearce, and the resurgence and validation of the Yurok tribe’s forest management practices using fire which has been practiced in this region for millennia. These controlled burns have now been adopted by Cal Fire and other agencies as extremely effective in controlling dangerous undergrowth and revitalizing the land.

Margo Robbins of the Yurok Tribe bringing prescribed fire back in the film - Fire Tender

This led up to the most significant part of the event – a documentary on MMIW – Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. It was horrifying to learn that we live in parts of the top 5 most dangerous parts of California for Indigenous Women, and also for other Indigenous people (MMIP) as well. Here is a snapshot of an all-too-horrific story: Missing of Murdered Indigenous People Fact Sheet

"The next 2 1/2 hours could make you uncomfortable"

Image from the documentary "We Ride For Her"

raising awareness of the heartbreaking realities

The film WE RIDE FOR HER (directed by Prairie Rose Seminole & Katrina Lillian Sorrentino) follows the birth of a group of motorcycle riding indigenous women who created this group to raise awareness of the heartbreaking realities and to aid in the search for their missing sisters and brothers. This documentary should be required education for all Californians.

Resources:

Local Indigenous Women Run Farm: Xa Kako Dile:

Murdered Missing Indigenous Women: MMIW

History of Thanksgiving Coffee Company and Native Cinema:

Night of Native Cinema

Native Cinema 2023 - Groundworks

The Mendocino Film Festival kicked off with a fabulous gala party at the Mendocino Arts Center with live music and great conviviality that featured a collaboration between community restaurants, wineries, and Thanksgiving Coffee Company .

Fabulous Gala at Mendocino Art Center

We chose to pair with Chef Joe Cucina Verona restaurant in Fort Bragg to serve Affogatos - a shot of espresso over vanilla bean Gelato… A decadent little pick me up that was enjoyed by all. The word Affogato is literally defined as “drowned” in Italian.

Left to right - Joe Seta, Chef Joe from Cucina Verona, Co-founder Paul Katzeff and festival sponsor, Diana Coryat.

Inside the Gala Tent on the Mendocino Art Center Patio

With both ends of the caffeination spectrum acknowledged, it's no surprise that we gave away over 300 Affogatos!

Left - Joe Seta serving up an affagato for the Gala

We had brought this tasty concoction to the festival last year with great success and also received the feedback that people were concerned about being kept awake after the first film was done so we had both our Northern Italian Espresso and Northern Italian Espresso Decaf versions. With both ends of the caffeine spectrum acknowledged, it was no surprise that we gave away over 300 Affogatos and started the 2024 Mendocino Film Festival on a lively note.

Thanksgiving Coffee Company has been in the coffee business for a long time, and the playing field has really shifted, in fact undeniably the world has changed alot since 2020. In light of this accelerated movement and shifting tides, Thanksgiving Coffee realized the importance of checking in with you, our customers, and all who we work with. On the recommendation of our esteemed B Corp consultant Heather Paulsen, we decided to engage in a Materiality Assessment and have her lead us through the process. Now we have done it, gathered the information, and we are excited to share the results with you!

To determine Thanksgiving Coffee Company’s list of material issues, Heather guided us through the following methodology. First we did background research and analysis of other businesses and nonprofits, including completed materiality assessments, impact reports, and their websites. We held a series of core team meetings to develop our preliminary list of material issues. We came to identify these three categories: Resources, People, and Governance. Then our core team reviewed the list, made revisions, created definitions of each issue, and made boundary mapping. Here are the issues in each category.

In this phase, a series of interviews and surveys were conducted with our employees and customers, including distributors, retailers, cafes/food service accounts, vendors, trade associations and nonprofit partners.

Then, the results were compiled from 21 employees, and 241 direct consumers through our outreach efforts from calls, emails, and social media. With all of this information we were able to map out the material issues into the matrix you see below.

2023 Materiality Assessment Results

In the image above you will see the main material issues that rose to the top were in the category of People (in blue) with human rights being the very highest on the matrix, followed by sourcing practices, product quality, and organic & regenerative agriculture.

The results on the left axis of the matrix are the external stakeholders with results from our distributors, retailers, cafes/food service accounts, vendors, trade associations and nonprofit partners. On the bottom axis are the internal Thanksgiving Coffee Employees results. The matrix is a combined view of both external and internal results and has three shades of purple to delineate the differences of: moderate, high, and very high ratings. Note that none of the identified issues fell below the number 6 as a concern, that is why the grid goes from 6-10.

“Our work changes communities, from survival to prospering.

It’s a chain of care, love and support.” GoCoffeeGo, TCC Coffee Distributor

To understand where our third party certifications ranked, we put together another matrix following the same principles. Here you will see that the most regarded and highly ranked certification is USA Organic, followed by Fairtrade America ,  Smithsonian Bird Friendly and then B Corp Certification.

What You Said

"I found you because of your focus on the ethical stewardship of our planet. The coffee is great. Thank you for leading by example!" Anonymous survey comment

Ribbon Cutting for the UC Davis Coffee Center Opening

Fascinating work was showcased on a wide variety of coffee topics, including:

• Thermodynamics of To Go Coffee - What keeps To-Go Coffee Warmest? Study by undergrads.
  (Spoiler alert… It’s the lid.)
• Impacts of Total Immersion Brewing On Cold Coffee Flavor
• Climate Change Impacts on Coffee Growing Regions in Brazil
• A new mobile application for coffee bean grading and evaluation using color, size and defect analysis – all on a mobile phone.

Representative Raw Data -Thermodynamics of To Go Coffee

What does chemical Engineering have to do with coffee - source UC Davis Coffee Center Opening

Itenerary for UC Davis Coffee Center Opening

It was also fascinating that all these studies needed to be underwritten (in one way or another) by some type of sponsorship. The sponsorships ranged from in-kind sponsors who donated 100 cups, in 4 sizes, to Coffee roasters who donated services, to equipment suppliers who donated the funds necessary to do thousands of measurements to prove their thesis. Our higher education facilities are simply not able to fund all these kinds of projects without external financial aid, so they are very vocally appreciative for those who contribute sponsorships.

Upper left, Doctoral Candidate Laudia Anoke-Bempah, upper right Dr. William Ristenpart, Center, Chancellor Gary May, lower left, Peter Giuliano SCA, lower right Richard L. Corsi

Attendees at the opening of the Coffee Center at UC Davis

Interior of the new Coffee Center at UC Davis

UC Davis student roasted beans, from Royal Coffee, chocolate covered by students as well.

For many, coffee is the ritualistic start to the day, a beloved beverage that energizes and comforts. Yet, beyond the steaming cups and aromatic brews lies the coffee plant, a botanical wonder that is the genesis of every coffee lover’s journey. At the heart of Thanksgiving Coffee Company is a deep appreciation for this living tree source—the company respects and values the entire process, from the nurturing soil that cradles the seed to the satisfying sip that completes the circle. We have been connecting to this plant by growing our own coffee trees right here for many years.

Coffee Trees Growing at the Thanksgiving Coffee Company Office

Anatomy of the Coffee Plant: More Than Just Beans

Coffee Arabica - Rubiaceae L.

The coffee plant, with its glossy green leaves and ripe cherries, is both an aesthetic marvel and a complex organism. Beneath the soil, its roots anchor the plant and absorb vital nutrients. Above ground, the leaves play a crucial role in photosynthesis, while the bright red cherries house the precious beans inside. It's these beans that, once processed and roasted, give rise to the alluring aromas and rich flavors that characterize each cup of coffee.

Varied Flavors: The Many Varieties of Coffee Plants

Ripe coffee cherries on the Arabica coffee tree grown at the office

When you think of coffee, the two dominant species: Arabica and Robusta, likely come to mind. Arabica is prized for its smoother, more nuanced taste, while Robusta is revered for its robustness and higher caffeine content. However, there exists a myriad of lesser-known varieties, each with its own unique flavor profile, waiting to be discovered by eager coffee connoisseurs.

From the Soil to your first Sip: How Terroir Affects Your Coffee

Like fine wine, coffee is influenced by its terroir—the environment in which it's grown. The climate, soil composition, and even the angle of sunlight on the slopes where coffee plants thrive collectively contribute to the coffee's flavor profile. These factors, often subtle and complex, define a coffee's body, acidity, and notes, creating an array of tastes as diverse as the landscapes from which they come.

Ripe cherries harvested from our coffee trees.

Ready to Discover the Flavor of Your Own Coffee

If you are inspired to develop a closer relationship with your coffee and want to lean into the root system of your daily coffee ritual, we have a series for you. Our co-founder Paul Katzeff has been growing coffee trees at home for years, and will lead you through his process.

Check out the series:

Part I: The Beauty of Growing Coffee Trees in Your Home

Part II: All you Need to Know About Growing Coffee Trees At Home

Part III: Caring For Your Coffee Tree

Coffee Tree Source:

Frinj Coffee Trees