GROW by Organics Unlimited Creates Disaster Relief Fund to Aid Communities
SAN DIEGO (May 27, 2015) – The GROW Fund, a nonprofit program developed by Organics Unlimited in 2005, has opened a special sub-fund earmarked to specifically aid in disaster relief. Administered by the International Community Foundation (ICF), it was created in light of recent natural disasters worldwide.
Beginning on May 11, 2015, a percentage of the funds derived from the purchase of GROW bananas will be directed toward the new disaster relief sub-fund. This allows for GROW to respond quickly if there is a devastating natural event near the communities in Mexico and Ecuador where GROW organic bananas are harvested.
“With so many catastrophic events happening around the world, we felt it was imperative to create a way to help our communities recover if disaster should strike,” said Mayra Velazquez de Leon, president of Organics Unlimited and GROW. “We have a social responsibility to support communities surrounding our banana plantations, as many workers live in areas plagued by storms.”
This special GROW sub-fund can be used in multiple stages of disaster relief, such as immediate response – providing food, water and medical treatment quickly after a catastrophe – or long-term, such as rebuilding schools and homes. In the wake of a disaster, ICF will produce a list of reliable third-party agencies that are able to provide relief as quickly as they reach the affected area; once Organics Unlimited approves a recommended plan, funds can be distributed to the organization(s) almost immediately.
“Our farms tend to be in areas often affected by natural disasters,” said Velazquez de Leon. “By creating a GROW disaster relief sub-fund, we can be as prepared as possible to assist if or when something devastating happens.”
To donate or learn more about GROW, please visit http://donate.icfdn.org/. To purchase GROW bananas, visit organicsunlimited.com.
About Organics Unlimited
Organics Unlimited is a San Diego-based distributor of organic tropical fruit from Mexico and South America, providing its traditional label as well as the GROW label. Its fruits are USDA certified organic for the U.S. and Canada through Organic Certifiers. For more information on Organics Unlimited and GROW, visit OrganicsUnlimited.com, GrowBananas.org, or call 619.710.0658. Check out the latest blog post from Organics Unlimited at: OrganicOdes.com, or find Organics Unlimited on Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.
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Grab-and-Go Banana Merchandising
By displaying bananas near the checkout, you can attract shoppers that are looking for a quick snack or breakfast. Photo courtesy of The Marco Company.
As spring turns into summer, schools are letting out for the break and children’s activities are beginning. This means many of your customers may be busier than usual with schedules full of soccer practices and family trips. Customers may be looking for “grab-and-go” products to accommodate their families’ on-the-go summer lifestyles. Luckily, Organics Unlimited bananas provide a great option for a snack or meal component for all ages of family members.
To inspire organic banana sales as grab-and-go food options, consider how you can tailor your merchandising and displays. (more…)
Recipe: Banana Microwave Mug Cake Recipe
Photo courtesy: Swah of Love Swah
This banana cake recipe will bring your night (or any other part of your day) to a whole other level. All you need is a few basic ingredients, two minutes of your time and a mug. The banana will bring a perfect moist texture making this mug cake your next favorite treat. If you are craving a dessert and don’t want to wait for the oven to warm up, this is the perfect recipe for you. Easy, quick, and yummylicious!
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp. butter, melted (or flavorless oil)
- 1 egg (lightly beaten)
- 1 tbsp. milk
- 1 ripe banana (mashed)
- 3 tbsp. plain flour
- 3 tbsp. brown sugar
- ½ tsp. baking powder
- 1 scoop of coffee ice cream to serve
Instructions
- Put butter into mug and microwave for 10 seconds to melt
- Add in egg and milk and lightly beat with a fork until combined
- Add mashed banana into the mug and continue stirring with your fork until mixed through
- Finally, add dry ingredients into the mug and beat with your fork until combined
- Place mug in the microwave and cook for 1 minute on medium heat
- The cake should be risen and still slightly gooey in the middle. If still undercooked for your liking, cook it further in 10-second bursts in the microwave
- Serve with a generous scoop of coffee ice cream
This delicious mug is ready to be enjoyed!
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Image credit: Swah of Love Swah
Recipe source: Love Swah
