Fyffes, international distributor of fresh tropical produce, announced Sept. 4 the official opening of newly constructed school facilities at Fabian Cayetano R.C. Primary School in Bladen Village, Toledo District, in southern Belize. The company, in partnership with United Kingdom-based online supermarket Ocado Retail, jointly funded the £192,300 GBP (approximately $260,111 USD) construction of a five-classroom block and a dedicated preschool building, replacing dilapidated and unsafe structures that previously posed serious risks to students and staff.
The company says the new facilities will now provide a secure and nurturing environment for 271 students, including 22 preschoolers, as well as serving as certified hurricane shelters for the village’s 800 residents.
“It’s a priority for Fyffes to support the communities where our people come from,” says Victor Chique, country manager of Fyffes Belize, in a news release. “Education is essential for communities to thrive and grow, and we are proud to contribute to that journey.”
Ben I’Anson, senior buyer for fruit at Ocado Retail, adds: “Working with suppliers like Fyffes is essential to ensuring that our supply chains positively contribute towards helping communities in regions where we source from. It is great to provide children with access to safe and happy education where they’ll also be provided with healthy and nutritional breakfast.”
The partnership between Fyffes and Ocado Retail demonstrates the positive impact that responsible sourcing and long-term collaboration between producers and retailers can have on vulnerable communities, especially in remote agricultural regions, Fyffes says.
