If you can take your eyes off Olive Oyle's jerk chicken sandwiches you'll notice that one of Fanshawe's best food outlets has dumped Starbucks coffee down the drain.

To satisfy the caffeine (and decaf) cravings of its customers Olive Oyle's is now serving a complete line of fair trade coffee.

“Fair trade promotes the ethical treatment of other people in the world,” said Amanda Durnford, the head food purchaser for Fanshawe College's culinary division.

Buying the sandwich shop's fair trade coffee will help support the most important people in the coffee industry - the farmers.

Given that most of the world's coffee is grown and harvested by farmers living in underdeveloped regions, the importance of returning every penny possible to these producers cannot be understated.

The coffee comes from a London importer, The Fire Roasted Coffee Company,which is fair trade certified and promotes organic agriculture.

Usually the terms “organic” and “fair trade” mean extra expensive. But Durnford said that Olive Oyle's prices have not changed. A large is still a $1.60, a medium $1.35 and if you bring your own cup - the most environmentally friendly option - the price is a very reasonable $1.20.

In case you don't bring your own cup, and in keeping with the eco-friendly theme, the outlet is using biodegradable cups and lids.

Durnford said the culinary department is dedicated to reducing its carbon footprint wherever possible.

Current blends being offered are Organic DeCaf, a very dark Sumatra blend, and Durnford's favourite, a medium roast from Kenya. For further information on fair trade coffee visit www.fireroastedcoffee.com.