Following recent natural disasters including Hurricanes Eta and Iota, Chiquita is supporting Central Americans by providing resources such as food, medical supplies, monetary donations and more. To date, Chiquita has donated more than ten tons of various forms of relief aid to those in need. The company has a strong tie to the region as it has been cultivating its yellow bananas there for more than 100 years.
Chiquita's donations include non-perishable food, bottled water and hygiene products.
Chiquita began its efforts by leveraging its distribution center in Fort Lauderdale, FL as a drop-off location for essential supplies. Since November, more than 2,700 bags of non-perishable food, bottled water and hygiene products have been collected from the company’s North American headquarters and shipped to Central Americans. The banana brand then offered its vessels and fleets to various non-profits to safely deliver all relief aid directly to the areas most affected.
“We are humbled to be in a position to offer essential support to our employees during this difficult time,” said Chiquita’s president Carlos Lopez Flores. “We will continue with relief and restoration efforts to ensure the health and safety of our valued workforce and provide a prosperous future for these resilient communities.”
Working with other organizations
In an effort to minimize the effects of the hurricanes, Chiquita continues to work with various relief organizations, government institutions and healthcare companies to coordinate the logistical transportation and distribution of supplies and donations, as well as to facilitate medical assistance where needed. To date, more than 400 Honduran families have received medical care from Iberoasistencias, one of Chiquita’s medical providers.
So far, Chiquita has donated more than ten tons of various forms of relief aid to those in need.
“In the wake of a natural disaster such as Hurricanes Eta and Iota in Central America, it is imperative we join forces for good to lift up struggling countries and their citizens,” said Luis Suazo Barahona, ambassador of Honduras in USA. “We’re grateful for Chiquita’s generous relief efforts during this difficult time, which will provide essential nutrition and supplies to families in need.”
For more information:
Chiquita
pr@chiquita.com
www.chiquita.com