US: GROW creates Disaster Relief Fund to aid communities

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.