IN THE NEWS Organics Unlimited Introduces Consumer-Driven GROW Foundation Point of Purchase Program - July 21, 2005 In response to the produce industry's growing interest and support of the new GROW Foundation (Giving Resources and Opportunities to Workers), Organics Unlimited of San Diego recently unveiled a GROW Point-of-Purchase (POP) program designed to generate consumer awareness and promote the international outreach initiative. Introduced in early 2005 by Organics Unlimited, The GROW Foundation is an international outreach initiative with a mission of ensuring that field workers who grow the organic produce sold through the company receive fair wages and better living standards. "We have always believed that we have a corporate responsibility to improve the lives of farm workers," says Organics Unlimited's President, Mayra Velazquez de Leon. "Our goal in introducing The GROW Foundation to consumers is to generate their support for our campaign. We hope consumers, when given a choice, will purchase produce that carries the GROW Foundation label." Funded initially by Organics Unlimited, The GROW Foundation program is sustained through a small per box surcharge on product that is marked with the GROW label. In addition to produce labeling, the consumer POP awareness program includes free-standing displays and brochures that provide information on The GROW Foundation and Organics Unlimited, as well as a recipe for banana bread. The GROW Point of Purchase program began on June 1st, and is initially being introduced in retail outlets of wholesalers in the Pacific Northwest, including Charlie's Produce, United Salad and other retailers who are customers of wholesaler OGC (Organically Grown Company). Also based in the Pacific Northwest, Puget Consumers Co-Op is the newest retailer to join the program. "Worker sustainability has recently become a critical issue for the produce industry," said David Amorose, of OGC. "At OGC, we believe it is important to take care of the workers that grow and pick our organic fruit products. We are happy to participate in Organic Unlimited's GROW Foundation and appreciate the integrity and compassion they have shown for furthering sustainability initiatives." The money generated by The GROW Foundation is given directly to charitable organizations through a partnership with The International Community Foundation (www.icfdn.org), which "seeks to increase charitable giving and volunteerism across U.S. borders to benefit overseas nonprofit organizations and communities... primarily in Mexico." Funds go to programs that will benefit the growers of Organics Unlimited organic fruit, as well as their families. GROW is a program of Organics Unlimited, a San Diego-based distributor of organic tropical fruits from Mexico and South America. << Return to In the News