Who We Are?

The Mount Meru Coffee Project is a non-profit organization that imports fair-trade coffee from Tanzania. The project began in 1998 after a delegation from the Diocese of Meru asked Bishop Rogness and the Greater Milwaukee Synod to buy coffee from them. The project was officially launched with the formation of "coffee committees" in both the Diocese and the Synod. The first payments were made to partner farmers in 2001, and the first export of 26,000 pounds of arabica Meru specialty coffee took place in 2002.

Managed by volunteers, the project imports Fair-Trade Premium Specialty Tanzanian coffee from small-scale producers. The project works with over 1000 coffee farmers. The project provides a fair market price for their premium coffee. This fair-trade price helps increase farm income, allowing farmers to afford healthcare, educate their children, and support their families. The project also offers training in sustainable farming practices to help farmers grow and process quality coffee. 

The Mount Meru Premium Coffee is roasted weekly in Milwaukee, then ground, packaged, and shipped from a facility at Martin Luther Lutheran Church. The coffee can be purchased on our website, at congregations, or at select retailers. Buying and drinking Mount Meru Premium Tanzanian Coffee is an important way for individuals, congregations, and businesses to support thousands of family coffee farmers in Tanzania.