La Josie Launches Coffee Relief Program to Support Small Farming Community in Mexico

La Josie (740 W. Randolph St.), by José "Pepe” Barajas, has partnered with Back of the Yards Coffee Co. (2059 W 47th St.) to support a small farming community in San Andrés Lovene.

The specialty-grade, limited production run is part of a Barajas’ vision to bring together socially conscious Mexican American businesses to support local and global communities, while showcasing the products of Mexico. 

The single origin micro-lot is sourced from the southern sierras of Oaxaca, Mexico. The woman-owned “finca” is harvested by Antonia Fuentes and her family in a remote Zapotec community about 10 hours from Oaxaca City, which still feels the devastation of a 2017 earthquake. 

“Café de la Comunidad” is a light/medium roast with candy bar notes of milk chocolate, caramel and nuts with a hint of stone fruit. The 12-ounce bag of whole-bean coffee costs $18. As part of the relief program, $1 from every bag of coffee sold will go back to the community to collectively benefit the entire town. The coffee is available for purchase here for pick-up.