Fort Lauderdale, FL – September 2018 – As World Education Day commences on September 28, Chiquita Brands International, the world’s foremost banana purveyor, is proud to announce it has reached 33% of its education aid program goals. The goal is to reach 100 schools and 20,000 children by the year 2020, and to date, Chiquita has provided support for 33 schools. This includes building and renovating school infrastructure as well as providing learning materials for the children. Chiquita currently provides these educational benefits for the children of its farm-workers throughout the countries where its business is rooted, including Costa Rica, Guatemala, Panama and Honduras.
“We believe that educating children is one simple way we can make the greatest impact on the families and communities of our employees,” said Jamie Postell, Director of Sales North America for Chiquita. “At Chiquita, it is so important that we stay true to the pillar that reminds us to be a Good Neighbor, and we believe this education program helps us to do just that.”
The current educational aid program supports the children of Chiquita farm worker. In Costa Rica and Guatemala, Chiquita provides school children a special kit containing many of the basic materials required by the Education Ministry, while in Panama and Honduras, Chiquita provides scholarships.
In addition, Chiquita initiates and supports community projects, such as investing in school infrastructure, helping children receive an education, creating environmental awareness and promoting social empowerment. Chiquita firmly believes that helping children receive a valuable primary education will have a positive, long-lasting impact on not only the children, but also the communities they reside in.
“We are thrilled that by 2020 Chiquita plans to reach 100 schools and 20,000 children by building and renovating school infrastructure as well as providing learning materials,” said Jamie Postell. “By starting on our own farms with pilot projects, we intend to expand our program to even more countries.”
Chiquita is not only involved in education for school-aged children, but also looks to provide healthcare aid as well. For example, in Costa Rica children in the banana farm neighborhoods are invited to receive visual and dental care, education and free teeth cleaning kits. The impact of such outreach is especially valued in areas where educational levels tend to be low, and where access to diagnostic facilities is limited due to distance from medical centers and the cost involved.
For more information about Chiquita’s education initiatives, visit www.chiquita.com.
About Chiquita Brands International
Chiquita is a leading global produce company employing 20,000 people across 25 countries. Serving nearly 70 countries, Chiquita provides consumers and customers with the highest quality of fruit and service, making Chiquita the banana of choice. Chiquita helps create a positive impact by implementing the principles of sustainability in all its business practices under the “Behind the Blue Sticker” initiative. Starting in the 1990s, Chiquita was the pioneer in promoting good farming practices and continues to help protect the environment and support farming communities by working under better-than-industry standard agricultural work practices. Chiquita bananas are fat-free and cholesterol-free and are a great source of potassium and vitamins.