The Dole Food Company expanded its workplace-based initiative to deliver vital public and private services to its workplace through the signing of a new public-private agreement to advance its Information and Wellbeing Centers (IWCs).
The company said these IWCs offer vital public and private services directly to the workplace, which improves the lives of Dole ag workers in rural areas of Costa Rica.
Dole said in a news release that it signed memoranda of understanding with two key national institutions — Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) and Banco Popular.
Dole said the new agreements with CCSS and Banco Popular signal an expansion of the IWC network:
- CCSS (Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social): As Costa Rica’s universal public healthcare and social insurance provider, CCSS plays a central role in delivering medical and social protection across the country.
- Banco Popular: A state-owned bank with a social mission focused on financial inclusion and community development, serves working populations and grassroots enterprises across the country.
“This is a concrete example of how public-private partnerships can close gaps and generate real well-being,” said Rudy Amador, regional vice president of social responsibility, sustainability and communications at Dole Fresh Fruit. “Inter-institutional coordination has been key to making the Information and Wellbeing Centers a powerful driver of inclusion.”
Dole first launched its IWC model in 2020 and has assisted rural workers by providing access to healthcare, social security, education and financial tools directly in the workplace, which eliminates major barriers such as distance, cost and time. Dole said its IWCs directly benefit more than 3,300 individuals across its four pineapple farms in Santa Fe, El Bosque, La Virgen, and Muelle with the collaboration of 38 public and private sector partners.
To date, Dole said its IWC program has reached 14,947 individuals, with continued expansion planned for the years ahead.
