The GROW Foundation is an international outreach initiative sponsored by Organics Unlimited, one of the finest suppliers of organic tropical fruits. Its mission is to ensure that field workers receive a living wage for a day's work and are treated according to internationally accepted standards.
The GROW Foundation supports numerous efforts that improve the lives of workers and their surrounding communities. It also requires farmers to use Organic Unlimited's ecologically friendly farming techniques that protect the earth and allow for sustainable agriculture. The GROW Foundation ethos forms Organics Unlimited’s corporate culture. The company pledges to treat its employees with respect and dignity, provide a pleasant work environment, and be a socially responsible company.
Why is The GROW Foundation needed?
Here are just a few facts that illustrate the vital need of The GROW Foundation:
“Small farmers produce much of the developing world's food. Yet they are generally much poorer than the rest of the population in these countries, and are less food secure than even the urban poor…For the foreseeable future, therefore, dealing with poverty and hunger in much of the world means confronting the problems that small farmers and their families face in their daily struggle for survival.” – The World Bank, Farming Systems and Poverty
“It is estimated that, across the developing world, a total of 1.2 billion people live in poverty as defined by the international poverty line of average daily consumption equivalent to US$1 per day per capita.” IBID
“Globally, around 552 million hectares of farmland, almost 38% of today’s farmland, have been contaminated to a certain degree, due to incorrect techniques since World War II.” The United Nations
Do programs like The GROW Foundation work?
“The evidence is quite clear that broad-based agricultural development provides an effective means for both reducing poverty and accelerating economic growth…Furthermore, as other studies show, agricultural growth can reduce urban poverty more rapidly than does urban growth itself, largely because of the consequent reduction in urban food costs and lower rates of in-migration from rural areas.” The World Bank, Farming Systems and Poverty
How is The GROW Foundation funded? Organics Unlimited charges a small fee to the retailer to fund the Foundation. Retailers are given the option to buy Organics Unlimited products either with or without the GROW label. These monies are then given to local and international charitable organizations that improve the lives of farm workers and protect the environment. Donations will focus on the regions and workers that grow Organic Unlimited's produce. In addition, we welcome additional contributions to ensure the success of our program. To ensure the proper allocation of funds, The GROW Foundation has partnered 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.”
Where are funds from The GROW Foundation allocated?
Funds from The GROW Foundation will improve the lives of workers and their surrounding communities, such as building schools, installing water purification systems and bringing electricity to remote areas. As a family-owned business, Organics Unlimited sees the importance of giving back to areas and organizations that need the most help in the areas where the produce they sell is being grown.
Why did Organics Unlimited create The GROW Foundation?
Because the founders of Organics Unlimited come from a family that has grown produce for four generations, they know first hand the challenges farmers face and the consequences poor farming methods have on the land. Now that the company enjoys considerable success, the founders wish to help those who are still struggling to make a livelihood as farmers. Organics Unlimited has been operating under these principles for many years, and with the introduction of The Grow Foundation, our customers will be able to make contributions as well.
How is The GROW Foundation different from other humanitarian programs?
Though there are some humanitarian and environmental programs meant to help farmers, some of them are slowed by bureaucracy and do not have firsthand knowledge of the needs of field laborers. Therefore, money may not be allocated in a timely fashion or disbursed to the proper organization.
The GROW Foundation has minimal administration, releases funds quickly, and has first-hand knowledge of working conditions. This ensures that funds are allocated when and where they can have the greatest effect.
Where can I buy GROW-labeled produce?
GROW produce is sold at fine supermarkets across the western United States. Look for the distinctive GROW label when shopping for organic fruit. By purchasing products bearing the GROW label, additional funds will be raised to support humanitarian and environmental projects. In addition, you'll receive high-quality fruit from one of the largest organic suppliers.
How can I make a contribution to The GROW Foundation?
Contact Organics Unlimited to learn how you or your company can make a donation, both with the purchase of organic fruit and/or contributions, to The GROW Foundation:
The GROW Foundation c/o Organics Unlimited 8587 Costa Norte Suite 2 San Diego, CA 92154 (619) 710-0658
