GROW Student: Nina Garcia

We'd like to highlight a GROW student, Nina Garcia, for her academic accomplishments. Without the GROW Fund, people like Nina would not be able to go to college and earn a degree.

Nina finished her second year of college as the top student in her major - Tourism Development. She received recognition and a printed award from the University of Colima for this outstanding achievement. Nina lives in GROW funded Casa Amiga and studies in the Centro Educativo de Proyecto Amigo. Her scholarship is funded by the GROW Fund by Organics Unlimited. GROW has been her sponsor since she was in high school.

We're very proud of Nina and her accomplishments-Great job, Nina!

GROW Scholars Give Back

Each year, funds from GROW help over 400 community members with education scholarships, vision care and dental care. It would be easy to say that this is making a difference in rural communities where the primary source of living is through agriculture. But social responsibility is a big part of the GROW program for all of these recipients. We think you should know more about what’s required of scholarship recipients, and what happens as they grow into productive adults.

GROW scholars at the high school and college levels receive money for everything from tuition, supplies, uniforms and room and board. When these young people apply for, and are selected by GROW for scholarships, they also sign a contract, agreeing to uphold certain responsibilities. Among these responsibilities is community service work. Their volunteer efforts help build stronger communities, and spread the advantages they get through the scholarships to a broader segment of the population.

Working through Project Amigo in Colima, Mexico, all GROW programs are run under the strict guidance of the non-profit organization. Read the stories of Mireya Rincon Torres, Noe Hernandez Rodriguez, and Maria Concepcion Fonseca Gonzalez. And for more stories about GROW programs, visit our “People We’ve Helped” section on our website.

GROW FAQs

Often times, we’re asked how our GROW program works. Most customers know that a portion of GROW banana sales goes back to helping the farm workers and their families, but don’t necessarily know what it entails. We’ve compiled a list of common questions that your customers may ask and hope that you find this helpful when explaining how the GROW program works.

Who handles the GROW Fund and makes sure the funds are distributed correctly? We work directly with a non-profit called “Project Amigo.” They’re based in Colima and distribute the funds among their programs that help farm workers and their children. Without the help of the GROW Fund, Project Amigo would not be able to sustain their mission of helping improve the lifestyles of the workers of Colima.

What programs does the GROW Fund contribute to? The GROW Fund contributes to scholarship programs, a study center, health services, Casa Amiga, an endowment program and scholarship funds.

How are the funds distributed? More than half of the funds go to scholarship programs, which helps hardworking and bright students earn an education they’d normally not be able to receive. The GROW study center receives funding that enables students to have computer access, study materials and a safe and quiet place to learn. A portion of the funds provide health programs and services, including dental and vision care.

Who selects the students for GROW scholarships, and what’s the process like? Principles of Project Amigo personally review applications submitted by students. Their acceptance is based on their application, grades, citizenship, financial need and individual goals. Once a student is accepted, it is the goal of the program to keep them as a GROW scholar through the completion of their college program if appropriate. Each year Project Amigo chooses new students to support, starting with middle school applicants.

What part of the GROW program receives the largest percentage of the funds raised? Scholarship funds. Education is extremely important to us and important to the scholarship recipients. We take great pride in helping promising students fulfill their dreams and goals, and to help them learn how to build stronger communities.

How many people has GROW helped to date? GROW and Project Amigo have helped about 400 people annually through one program or another. Since we see the need for additional support, we hope to GROW that number significantly over time!

GROW - More Than Just Bags

GROW banana bags are now in markets across the western US.  And our goal is to make this program successful for our retailers by helping customers understand what they are getting with they buy GROW bananas, and perhaps use the bags.  That's why we are including FREE point of purchase signage with every shipment of GROW bags.  Here are a few tips for making this a good back-to-school banana season during September's GROW Month.

• Post the attract GROW signage in the middle of your bananas.  There's room for pricing right on the sign.
• Put tasty GROW bananas in the attractive bags, and encourage your customers to buy more.  The recipe on the back may spark an easy additional way to enjoy an old favorite.
• Provide additional attractive GROW banana bags for shoppers to use in selecting bananas.
• Give shoppers lots of recipe options, available thorugh our Facebook page.
• Remember there is a contest for the best displays this month.  Use a theme, interesting graphics, bright colors, and signage.  It all attracts the right kind of attention.

Happy GROW Month to everyone. What you do makes a difference.

KEY PROMO PERIOD HERE!

With Labor Day behind us and Organics Unlimited’s GROW Month ahead of us, it's an ideal time to think about organic banana promotions. Supplies are plentiful, excellent promotional pricing is now available, and we're able to confidently ensure top quality and dependable supply that is the hallmark of Organics Unlimited.

We have some promotional opportunities available right now for a limited time!

• FREE GROWN MONTH BANANA BAGS. You’ve read here about GROW Month in September and the help we give to the communities where our bananas are grown. Now your customers can be a part of this social responsibility outreach while they take home bananas in these attractive bags complete with baking recipes. Free shipment of banana bags is available to all current GROW customers. Limited numbers are available for non-customers on a first-come/first-served basis, while supplies last.

• HELP SPREAD THE WORD...AND WIN. Customers like Organically Grown Company in Portland, OR are spreading the good word about GROW on their websites. Check it out at : www.organicgrown.com. Starting this month, any receivers who posts prominent information up on their website will receive a media placement bonus based on size of article/feature, ranging from $50 to $200 . Here's an opportunity to use your web site as a prime medium to let your customers learn more about organics. Each placement must be approved by Organics Unlimited Merchandising team. Bonus available on a first come/first served basis.

• SPECIAL ORGANIC DISPLAY PHOTO CONTEST! Even if you're not yet an Organics Unlimited or GROW customer, here's a special opportunity to showcase your creativity within the organic tropicals category via a quick and easy display photo contest. Here are the rules and how you can WIN A CASH PRIZE.

Please see contest rules here. Any questions? Email us.