You can make a difference in the lives of farm workers and their families in Mexico and Ecuador through buying GROW bananas.  We hope the information below will help answer some of your questions about GROW, how it works, and how you can become involved:

What is GROW?

GROW is a social responsibility program that was started in 2005 by the owners of Organics Unlimited to help the communities where much of their tropical fruit is grown.  GROW provides ongoing programs for the workers and their families to help raise them from a chain of poverty that has plagued these regions for generations.  GROW administers all funds through the International Community Foundation (www.icfdn.org) and works closely with existing non-profit organizations in the local regions, such as Project Amigo (www.projectamigo.org) and Foro de la Juventud .

How do I identify GROW bananas?

All GROW bananas are labeled with the GROW sticker, indicating that a surcharge of $.60 from each box of the bananas has gone directly into the GROW fund.    GROW bananas will also carry a label from Organics Unlimited, giving you assurance that you are buying only the best organic bananas.

How is GROW different from other programs?

GROW is intended to help the community in the area where Organics Unlimited grows its produce.  It is the policy of Organics Unlimited to pay all workers a fair wage, above the going market rate, as well as providing medical coverage.  But all workers in the area are not this fortunate, and the GROW program provides educational, dental and vision support programs to those who need it the most, regardless of their employment.  GROW provides a hand up, not a hand out, to migrant workers and their families.

What kind of benefits do workers and their families receive from GROW?

Since its founding in 2005, GROW has provided programs that have enhanced the lives of many workers and their families:

·         Scholarships for up to 30 students at the junior high, high school and university level per year

·         Financial support and materials for the GROW Education Center in Cerro de Ortega, Mexico

·         Annual vision clinics servicing more than 400 people each year

·         Annual dental clinics providing check ups, treatment, toothbrushes, and dental hygiene education to over 400 children

·         Community education events at least twice a year attracting over 500 people each

·         Support of Casa Amiga, a home for girls studying at the university

·         A university scholarship fund to ensure assistance to future generations of children

·         Support of young people in Guayaquil, Ecuador to help them become self supporting through micro-businesses.

How can I get involved?

Most funding to date has come from the purchase of GROW bananas in the US.  However, direct donations can be made online to GROW through the International Community Foundation.  Volunteer opportunities are also available in Mexico through Project Amigo.