WATSONVILLE, CALIF. - Driscoll’s announced that it plans to donate more than $4 million in charitable funds across global health clinics, food banks, fresh berry donations and other community resources to contribute to coronavirus (COVID-19) relief efforts.
Funds are being spread between the United States, Canada, Central Mexico, Baja California, Europe and Morocco. The company is also sending $500,000 worth of berry donations to first responders and hospitals in New York City, the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States.
Almost a fourth of the funds, $1 million, has already been deployed to benefit health clinics in California, Driscoll’s largest growing region. Food distribution was also identified as a critical need for the state with shelter-in-place orders leaving food pantries with limited volunteers. The company is donating $600,000 in cash donations and $100,000 in product donations to various food banks and pantries in the state.
“We believe it’s our responsibility during these challenging times to support communities who are working tirelessly to bring fresh, healthy berries to families,” said J. Miles Reiter, chairman and chief executive officer of Driscoll’s. “Agriculture is an impactful kind of business that relies on human and environmental resources. We are responsible for what we do and how we do it and are moving quickly to deploy donated resources for the largest community impact.”
In a letter to the community on March 20, Reiter ensured Driscoll’s dedication to continuing its role in producing and delivering fresh fruit to customers while upholding food safety and the safety of the company’s employees.