MAGDALENA, COLOMBIA - In this industry, operators are building dreams every single day through the eyes of their employees. Fyffes is making an especially concentrated effort to support its communities as well, partnering with Banasan Foundation, Albert Heijn supermarkets, and local banana-producing companies in Magdalena, Colombia, to kick off the second stage of the ‘Building Dreams’ housing improvement project. The project is expected to improve the living conditions of 100 families.

“Fyffes invests in long-term partnerships with our suppliers, and we are delighted to partner with Banasan Foundation and Albert Heijn to make ‘Building Dreams’ a reality for the beneficiary families,” Julie Cournoyer, Fyffes Global Director of Sustainability, said. “Ultimately, we aim to help build resilient communities and contribute to their economic development and enrichment.”

In December 2021, the first 40 beneficiary families were selected based on their household income and living conditions, a press release began. Many of the families have an agricultural occupation and work in the farms associated with Banasan. The project is part of Fyffes’ broader sustainability target to have 100 percent of its neighboring communities engaged in resilient socio-economic community projects out of its four community investment areas by 2030.

Stage two of the project determined the type of improvements that can be done following the provisions set forth by the United Nations in The Right to Adequate Housing. A needs identification survey also determined additional insights on family relationships and coexistence with neighbors as well as other community concerns. An action plan will be implemented to promote sustainable development, including workshops and psychosocial training.

“Our new Albert Heijn mission ‘Together making better food available. For all.’ is fueled by our conviction that food plays a compelling role in dealing with many current societal challenges,” Marit van Egmond, Albert Heijn Chief Executive Officer, said.

The housing improvement project team is made up of architects, engineers, communicators, accountants, and psychologists. The housing improvements for the first 40 families were reported to be finished by the end of March, and additional families will be selected in subsequent phases of the project.

We tip our hats to these fierce community supporters!

Fyffes