Charities

Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity is the most successful continuous community service project in the history of the United States. Founded in 1976, Habitat has built over 70,000 houses around the world thus far, one house at a time. This success has come through the undying support of a dedicated volunteer workforce, and Habitat’s ability to secure no-interest mortgages for its needy families and a strong commitment to improving low -income housing.We have participated in Habitat for Humanity for 2 consecutive years. We are an in-kind sponsor, and our employees, friends and family participate by volunteering their time and talents.

The Make*A*Wish Foundation

The Make*A*Wish Foundation grants wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to give hope, strength, and joy. The life-changing experience that Make*A*Wish offers is felt by the children, families, referral sources, donors, sponsors and entire communities.

We partnered with the Make*A*Wish Foundation to help one special child realize his very special wish.  Tyrone was an 11 year-old boy who became our sponsor child.  His wish was to be able to visit Disney World with his family.  Various events during a two-month period were planned to raise money towards our goal.  We were successful in exceeding our goal, and raised $4,647.Tyrone’s wish was granted, and he was able to experience the magic of visiting Disney World with his family.

The March of Dimes

The March of Dimes is a national non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality.  Their lifesaving research and innovative prevention programs have saved millions of babies from death or disability. We have participated in the WalkAmerica for 2 consecutive years.  We are an in-kind sponsor (72,000 bananas per walk), and our employees, friends and family participate by raising pledge dollars.

The Canned Food Drive

Each year, Del Monte Fresh Produce joins forces with non-profit organizations that provide food for individuals and families in need.  Our employees hold a contest during October and November to see who will be voted as ‘the most charitable’, by donating the greatest number of canned food items. In 2003, we helped to serve approximately 400 families with a Thanksgiving dinner.

Scholarship Programs

In 1983, Del Monte Fresh Produce started a scholarship program for high school students. While some of the students are related to employees of Del Monte Fresh Produce, this is not a requirement to be eligible for the program.  The scholarship is offered to students whose family has a limited income, and would have had a difficult time providing for an education.  We provide for the cost of tuition fees, miscellaneous official fees, and a monthly allowance. In 1984, we also started a scholarship program for college students with the same vision as our high school scholarship program. More than 200 students will graduate through the scholarship program, as of the 2003-2004 school year.

Annual Holiday Gift-Giving Program

Del Monte Fresh Produce has created an annual holiday gift-giving program that donates a new toy to a child in need, during the holidays.  We partner with non-profit organizations to determine the children who will participate in the current year’s program. Each child creates a short ‘Wish List’ of gifts that they would like to receive. The ‘Wish List’ is then given to one of our employees who will purchase a gift from the child’s list.  This ensures that each child receives a gift that they will enjoy.

In 2003, we sponsored 63 children through our holiday gift-giving program.

ENVACO

ENVACO has a long tradition of involvement with the community to promote sports, to help in education, law enforcement, support of the needy, and other ways to improve the well being of people in the surrounding areas.

At present, we have recreational and sporting facilities that include a soccer field, tennis court, basketball/indoor soccer/volleyball court, two swimming pools (one for adults, one for children), a playground, and an aerobics area. Soccer has been the sport with greatest support. Some of the best players in Costa Rica in the past and present, have gone through the soccer school in ENVACO, which has 425 children today. ENVACO sponsors the Limon soccer team, and pays trainers for basketball and aerobics.