Organics Unlimited, a San Diego-based grower and distributor of organic tropical fruit, recently hosted volunteers from New Seasons Market, Portland, Oregon-based chain of grocery stores with locations throughout Oregon, Washington and Northern California, to tour its farms in Colima, Mexico. They also experienced different aspects of the GROW social responsibility program.
One major highlight of the trip included a Christmas Posada in Cofradía de Suchitlán, Mexico with elementary school students, many of whom will be future GROW scholars. Kids who might otherwise not have a bountiful holiday were able to pick Christmas presents which included clothes and toys. New Seasons volunteers helped wrap gifts and celebrate with the kids as everyone enjoyed a hot lunch followed by opening Christmas packages as well as a special visit from Santa Claus.
“Christmas is an ideal time to provide gifts for children in need and gives volunteers a first-hand look at how their purchases of GROW bananas are making a positive difference in the lives of others,” said Mayra Velazquez de León, president and CEO of Organics Unlimited and GROW. “By experiencing events like the Christmas Posada and being on the ground at the farms, our valued partners get an inside look at how everything really works.”
Touring the farms where Organics Unlimited grows its bananas was another highlight for New Seasons volunteers.
“We’ve been a long-time customer of Organics Unlimited and its GROW label bananas, so we were thrilled to have our team members travel to Mexico and provide support for the GROW team for a few days,” said Jeff Salchenberg, assistant produce category manager for New Seasons Market. “Sending our volunteers down there to take part during the holidays provided an ideal opportunity to build connections to the communities where GROW bananas develop and see true joy in the eyes of children. It gives us all perspective on how blessed we are and how much good we can do for others.”
GROW programs promote sustainability, education and health care to underserved communities in banana growing regions of Mexico, such as Colima, through the sale of organic bananas.
Thanks to retailer and distributor support, GROW organic banana purchases have provided nearly $2 million in aid since 2005. A percentage derived from the purchase of each box of GROW organic bananas is earmarked for the GROW fund. These funds are used for youth educational programs, health clinics and dental and vision care in Mexico; clean water and early childhood education programs in Ecuador; disaster relief and environmental initiatives.
For more information: 
Patrick Pierce
Tel: +1 (619) 906-5540 ext. 305
Email: patrickp@osterads.com
www.organicsunlimited.com