42 Days Coffee, co-founded by Rodney Thompson and Dr. Crysta Meekins, isn’t just about delivering exceptional coffee—it’s about creating positive change. With a focus on fair trade practices and maternal health, 42 Days Coffee combines a passion for quality with a commitment to supporting vulnerable communities.

Who Founded 42 Days Coffee, and What Inspired Its Creation?

Rodney Thompson, a Virginia State University graduate with over 30 years of experience in financial services, and Dr. Crysta Meekins, a Doctor of Public Health specializing in Health Equity, co-founded 42 Days Coffee in June 2024. As daily coffee drinkers, Rodney and Crysta realized they’d never considered the journey of coffee from farm to table. Research revealed the harsh reality that the farmers performing the hardest work in coffee production often live in poverty due to unfair wages.

Alongside this, they were alarmed by the high maternal mortality rate in the United States, particularly among women of color who are three to four times more likely to die during pregnancy and childbirth than their white counterparts. With both coffee farmers and maternal health disparities in mind, Rodney and Crysta saw an opportunity to make a difference and founded 42 Days Coffee. By donating 10% of profits to maternal health organizations, they are using coffee sales as a means to address these issues.

What’s the Story Behind the Name “42 Days Coffee”?

The name 42 Days Coffee is inspired by a heartbreaking statistic from the World Health Organization, which defines maternal mortality as the death of a woman while pregnant or within 42 days after the end of a pregnancy. Rodney and Crysta chose this name to remind customers of the urgent need for better maternal care and to honor those lost due to inadequate resources and support. They hope the name will spark awareness and prompt conversations about the maternal health crisis and the role we can all play in addressing it.

What Products Does 42 Days Coffee Offer, and How Are They Sourced?

42 Days Coffee offers premium-grade, organic coffee sourced through Fair Trade practices from world-renowned coffee regions like Ethiopia, Indonesia, Mexico, and Honduras. Fair Trade certification ensures that coffee farmers receive fair compensation, even during market declines, helping to break the cycle of poverty among farming communities. Unlike many mass-produced coffees, 42 Days Coffee’s beans are hand-picked, guaranteeing that only ripe beans are harvested, resulting in a higher-quality coffee experience.

Rodney explains, “By sourcing through Fair Trade, we’re helping farmers achieve a living wage, which not only supports their livelihoods but also promotes ethical practices within the industry.”

Why Does 42 Days Coffee Focus on Maternal Health?

Dr. Crysta Meekins’ background in Public Health and Health Equity drove 42 Days Coffee’s dedication to maternal health. In the United States, maternal mortality rates are the highest among developed nations, with 95% of maternal deaths occurring in low- to moderate-income communities. Many of these deaths are preventable, and funding for adequate care is crucial. By donating a portion of profits to maternal health organizations, 42 Days Coffee directly contributes to improving healthcare access for underserved women.

Dr. Meekins shares, “We believe in being the change you want to see. Our contributions help fund organizations making strides to improve health outcomes for mothers in marginalized communities.”

What Makes 42 Days Coffee Unique in the Coffee Market?

42 Days Coffee is unique in its mission-driven approach. Unlike other coffee brands, they are committed to addressing the U.S. maternal health crisis through their business model. This focus on maternal health sets them apart from competitors, and their premium organic coffee, sourced from hand-picked beans, ensures an elevated coffee experience. The difference in taste and impact is evident, offering consumers a product that’s both high in quality and purpose.

What Are the Future Goals of 42 Days Coffee?

42 Days Coffee has ambitious goals to expand both its product reach and social impact. Currently, they operate within the United States but have plans to enter international markets within the next 12 months. Their goal is to become the premier choice for customers who seek a high-quality, socially conscious coffee experience. Orders are roasted to order and shipped the next business day, ensuring peak freshness for every customer.

“We want people to know that through every purchase, they’re supporting fair wages for farmers and better maternal health outcomes,” Rodney explains. The brand envisions itself as a leader in using coffee to make a positive difference in the world.

How Do Rodney and Crysta Define Success?

For Rodney Thompson, success is rooted in freedom—the freedom to make meaningful choices and support impactful causes. “I became a business owner because I wanted to control my own future and make a difference,” he says. He emphasizes that financial success will follow if you remain committed to professionalism and client satisfaction.

Dr. Crysta Meekins, inspired by her own health equity work, views success as using the business to create change. Both founders agree that helping others—whether it’s farmers or expectant mothers—is what defines true success for 42 Days Coffee.

A Message to Customers: Why Your Coffee Purchase Matters

Rodney and Crysta want customers to feel empowered by their coffee choices. By choosing 42 Days Coffee, they’re not only enjoying a superior coffee experience but also supporting fair wages for farmers and contributing to maternal health equity. “With every purchase, our customers are part of the solution,” says Rodney.

42 Days Coffee invites everyone to be part of a mission to uplift farmers, improve maternal health, and create a more equitable future—one cup at a time.