SAN DIEGO, CA - For some companies, social responsibility is a concept integrated into the operation’s business model. For others, it is a way of life—this is the path for Organics Unlimited and its efforts to achieve and evolve social responsibility. As a fundamental element of its vision and creation, this way of life is celebrated in many aspects of Organics Unlimited’s business, including GROW Month—a milestone month elevated every September.

“When my mom, Organics Unlimited President and Chief Executive Officer Mayra Velazquez de León, Co-Founded Organics Unlimited in 2000, part of the company’s mission was to never forget having a responsibility to care for its workers and the communities that help grow its high-quality organic fruit,” Daniella Velazquez de León, General Manager, shares. “That is why GROW, a program which provides funding for various social responsibility programs, was founded. The mission of GROW is to create a better quality of life for not only the workers on their farms, but entire growing communities. Agricultural areas of Mexico and Ecuador typically suffer from high poverty rates, and Organics Unlimited feels a responsibility to give back in a way that builds stronger, healthier communities.”

To give you a little more background on this amazing program, GROW organic banana purchases, along with retailer and distributor support, have provided around $3 million in aid since 2005. Established in 2005. Organics Unlimited is celebrating the 18^th year of its social responsibility program.

“A percentage derived from the purchase of each box of GROW label organic bananas is earmarked for the GROW fund,” Daniella states. “These funds are used for youth educational programs and health clinics along with dental and vision care in Mexico, clean water and early childhood education programs in Ecuador, disaster relief, and environmental initiatives.”

So, what are some of the celebrated achievements that Organics Unlimited celebrated this GROW Month? Check these deets out:

GROW Mexico 2023 Statistics:

• The GROW students in Mexico are supported by Project Amigo, which supports over 400 children during the year from elementary to university level in Colima, Mexico
• Eight students have graduated from the GROW Educational Program across different educational levels
• Students who graduated from the University of Colima received degrees anywhere from Architecture, Law, Economy, and Primary Education
• There were 21 new scholarship recipients in the 2023–2024 school year

GROW Ecuador—Children’s International 2023 Statistics:

• GROW Ecuador supports programs at Children’s International
• 17,842 health services paid for outside of CI (referrals)
• 7,014 dental exams
• 15,974 telehealth consultations
• 3,587 medical exams

Another part of the social responsibility paradigm that fuels its passion is Organics Unlimited’s environmental stewardship. The company is dedicated to farming using organic, sustainable methods not only for the health of the environment, but for the health of its workers and consumers who purchase its organic bananas.

In addition, the company also provides funding for organizations and initiatives that share in the desire to preserve natural resources and create healthy environments for future generations.

“Shoppers who prioritize making positive social change and always doing what is best for the environment can take comfort in knowing that when they purchase GROW bananas, they are living those values. GROW label organic bananas are fairly traded and environmentally responsible,” Daniella tells me. “By choosing GROW, customers are supporting small growers, fostering education in banana growing communities, and championing the health of consumers and communities where GROW organic Cavendish bananas are grown.”

When I asked if there is room for other industry companies to get involved, the company tells me, yes, there certainly is. The GROW program is something that other produce industry companies who are interested in getting involved with can do. Please contact Daniella Velazquez de León for more information.

Join me in congratulating Organics Unlimited on these amazing efforts and the bar the team continues to raise for social responsibility.

Organics Unlimited