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Food connects people. Yet often so little is known about the food supply chain. A recent awareness of the connection of the food and human trafficking has caused many to look at the food chain for ethically sourced food. In 2015 the US State Department’s annual human trafficking report brought to light many concerns in the agricultural, fishing and aqua cultural fields. Food sources were such a concern that of the 48 areas highlighted for additional scrutiny, almost half of them were related to the food industry. There has also been an increased awareness of human trafficking in restaurants and...

Probably most children, at one point or another, wonder what life would be like on their own or threaten to run away. My boys frequently joke about this every time I further limit their electronic time or increase their responsibilities. I’ve made it to the “bad mom” list more than once this month by way of both of these parenting strategies. But, ultimately, my boys know they are loved and cared for. Little do children know the real danger posed to those who do run away. According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, “Of the nearly 25,000 runaways reported to...

In its most basic terms, a freedom business is a business with a focus on hiring people who are at risk for exploitation or those that have survived exploitation. Although this terminology might limit the intention as well. While a regular business focuses on profit, a freedom business keeps three bottom lines in mind--profit, planet, and people. Freedom businesses can also be interchangeable with Social Enterprises. Again, the idea of removing profit as the linchpin for success and widening the terms of accomplishment. This turn to business to make a difference for people and planet really erupted for two reasons;...

I read it again earlier this month- another article warning parents of the dangers of sex traffickers in Walmart. Reading this story made my entire body cringe- not because it can’t happen, but because it likely won’t. Please don’t misunderstand what I’m about to say. By all means, watch your little ones when you are at the store, attend your children in the restroom, and be aware of your surroundings whenever you are out and about. But, please don’t do it out of fear, and please don’t assume that the person who is weirding you out in the crafting section...

The human trafficking in Nepal is mainly outbound. Most of the men, women and children are coerced, fraud, or abducted away from their homes mostly to the Middle East, as well as India, Bangladesh, sub-saharan Africa, and more recently Khasa, a district in China. Nepal is particularly susceptible because about one quarter of the population live below the poverty line. There is a lot of natural potential within the country, but the government, natural disasters, and lack of a water port have created difficulties for wealth creation. It’s estimated that about 54 children are trafficked out of Nepal on a...