Organics Unlimited Helps Their Community GROW
Just 60 cents per case of bananas can do a whole bunch of good.
Founded in 2000 by Mayra and Manuel Velazquez, Organic Unlimited has been supplying OGC with exceptional organic bananas and papayas for decades—but they built their business to do a whole lot more. As third-generation banana growers, the couple saw a unique opportunity to invest in their community, so they made social responsibility a key part of their mission by launching GROW.
GROW, which stands for Giving Resources and Opportunities to Workers, puts 60 cents from each case of bananas and 40 cents from each case of papayas back into the communities that grow them in Mexico and Ecuador. Since it started in 2005, GROW has returned over $3 million in investments to its workers through programs in six key areas:
early education,
higher education,
student housing,
health services,
environmental justice
and disaster relief.
The money generated from each case sold is independently managed by the International Community Fund and routinely audited, so you can always trust that they’re getting back to workers. The fund is also super transparent—customers always have access to statements.
Mayra and Manuel’s daughter, Daniela, is now the General Manager of Organics Unlimited and remains committed to the values that her parents baked into the business. “I’m passionate about contributing to a resilient, sustainable food system” says Daniela. “At Organics Unlimited we do that by supporting a decentralized food system that supports families, small growers, and independent retailers: the heart of our communities.”
Bananas are by far the most consumed fresh fruit in the U.S., but the industry is rife with worker exploitation and unsustainable farming practice. GROW bananas from Organics Unlimited support small farmers and offer ongoing and meaningful investments in their communities. By buying them, you’re the resilient, sustainable food system that Daniela and her family are working to build.
OGC is your best partner in helping to educate shoppers and sell GROW bananas. For marketing resources such as POP, additional program information, photos and more, contact your Account Representative!