GROW Partner Spotlight: Children International
For 20 years, GROW by Organics Unlimited has been more than a program — it’s been a promise. A promise that every bunch of bananas and papayas can create opportunities, support families, and help communities thrive.
That promise comes to life through our partners, who turn GROW funds into real impact on the ground. One of those partners is Children International (CI), who has worked alongside us in Guayaquil, Ecuador for over a decade. Together, we’ve made healthcare, dental services, and nutrition support accessible to nearly 20,000 children and youth each year.
Fighting Malnutrition, Building Healthy Habits
Children International’s Nutrition Program reaches children ages 3-12, meeting them where they are developmentally and nutritionally:
Ages 3-5: Early childhood programs integrate nutrition education, healthy food provision, and care for severe malnutrition.
Ages 6-12: Preventive education and food support help maintain a healthy weight, with targeted treatment for severe cases.
Individualized care: From vitamins and anti-parasite medication to lab orders and referrals, children get the support they need to thrive.
Between 2019-2024, 3,172 children received nutritional support, and nearly 800 were successfully rehabilitated from malnutrition.
“I have 58 children in my sector. Children are measured twice a year, and this helps a lot to detect their nutritional problems. I advise that all children be measured and that families comply with the recommendations”
Empowering Families and Communities
Health isn’t just about treating symptoms, it’s about empowering families to make lasting changes. CI’s programs provide:
Caregiver training on affordable healthy diets and proper child care.
Health access education to help families know where and when to seek care.
Community campaigns like vaccination drives and medical fairs.
They also train volunteer health promoters to use low-cost tools for malnutrition detection. These volunteers help track children’s health and connect families with needed resources.
A CI volunteer uses the MUACz (mid upper arm circumference tape) to screen for malnutrition.
Expanding Access to Care
With GROW Fund support, CI has linked families to over 43,000 local health services through community clinics, while also providing 16,789 medical services and 30,589 dental services directly in their centers between 2020-2023.
And when the COVID pandemic hit, CI pivoted quickly, providing 41,000 telehealth consultations, virtual education programs, and financial support for medicine and specialized healthcare costs.
Iker’s Speedy Recovery
When 3-year old Iker fell ill, his mother, Melissa, prepared to take him to the doctor. Thanks to Children International’s efforts to get families access to quality medical services, she knew exactly where to go. At the clinic, Dr. Rocío Astudillo diagnosed and treated young Iker for parasites, while also teaching Melissa preventive health practices to keep her family safe in the future. After the visit, Melissa shared how she felt grateful for these clinics and providers who serve not just as healers but as educators too.
The Bigger Picture
Thanks to partners like Children International, GROW funds go far beyond bananas and papayas. They transform lives, providing healthier futures for children, empowering parents, and strengthening entire communities.
This GROW Month, when you see a display of GROW bananas or papayas, know that your purchase is fueling programs like these. Together, we’re GROW-ing healthier futures.