Monthly Archives: September 2018

GROW Month is going strong and continues to raise awareness about the programs that raise the quality of life for our banana growing communities. Customers want to purchase from brands that make a difference. Customers also want to know that the programs they support have longevity and impact.

GROW by Organic Unlimited has been very successful and has expanded its programs since the time of its inception. Most people know about the large programs GROW sponsors such as education scholarships, clean water and more, but did you know that throughout the years GROW has sponsored many different initiatives?  Here is a timeline of some GROW programs that many people may not know about:

 

2006	GROW Program Starts
2007	Dental Program Begins	Children and parents are taught about healthy toothbrushing habits.
	Cyber Center is Initiated	Desk computers are set up.
2008	Vitamin Program	Children are taught the importance of nutrients and vitamins are distributed.
2009	Drinking Fountains	Clean-water fountains are distributed to schools.
	Mini-Libraries	200 books are distributed to schools and libraries.
2010	Book Drive	Books are given to individual children for personal reading. Over 2,000 books are distributed to schools.
2011	Vision Program Begins	Vision exams and reading glasses are given to the community.
	Clothing Drive	Clothing is distributed to members of the community.
2012	Book Drive	Books are distributed to remaining country schools.
2014	Vision Clinic	Vision clinics are expanded. More people receive glasses and eye-exams.
2015	Clean City Campaign	Volunteers clean city streets and educate local population about the importance of clean streets.
	Health Campaign	Crutches, a wheel chair and a stretcher on wheels donated to local health clinic.
2016	Beach Cleaning	Students cleaned beaches and were taught about conservation efforts.
2017	Powdered Milk Campaign	Powdered milk was subsidized to needy families.
	Books and Toys	Reference books and learning toys for the education center.
	GROW Health Program	Campaign to educate people with chronic diseases on how to improve their lifestyle.
	Dental Health Program	Students with dental issues are given dental attention.
2018	Maintenance Program	Painting, roof repairs, adding of a patio roof and yard work done.
	Health and Empowerment	5-day workshop is hosted and attended by 25 community women

To learn more about our organic bananas and how you can offer Organics Unlimited and GROW organic bananas in your store, please visit OrganicsUnlimited.com. You may also follow Organics Unlimited on Facebook and Twitter for more news.

 

PMA Fresh Summit is right around the corner and we are so excited to be there!
If you are planning on attending Fresh Summit this year, please stop by our booth and say hi. We would love to see you and share the latest and greatest news, from our eco-family to yours!

This week Organics Unlimited received program updates as well as some great photos from Children International, they manage our GROW funds in Ecuador. Since GROW month is in full swing, we felt that it would be a perfect time to share these photos. Seeing how much joy and hope is made possible from something as simple as the purchase of an organic GROW  banana is something to be shared and celebrated. It is thanks to you and your customers that stories such as the ones below are made possible.

Healthy Habits Program

• Young Pedro Barzola learns the importance of properly washing his hands during the Global Handwashing Day in Guayaquil, Ecuador.  The Grow Fund partners with Children International to teach healthy habits to thousands of children.

 

Nutrition Program

 

• Children International-Guayaquil has partnered with The Grow Fund to provide support to 300 children who have been identified as underweight and malnourished.  Children and their families are given nutritional counseling and classes that show them the importance of healthy cooking and eating.

 

Aflateen Program

• The Children International Aflateen Program teaches youth life skills such as self-knowledge, personal rights, savings and budgeting skills, responsible citizenship and the need to understand social issues.  The Grow Fund is an important partner for this program, which enables young people to grow into responsible adults!

 

Tutoring Program

• The English Tutoring Program in Guayaquil-Ecuador provides interactive and participatory classes to help students learn the English language and perform better in a classroom situation.  The Grow Fund is an important partner in this pilot program!