Social responsibility revolves around people

Social responsibility is all about helping people do better, most industry leaders agree.

And it is also more than that. 

In a survey by The Packer of industry attitudes about social responsibility, 41 industry leaders weighed on what social responsibility means to them and, by extension, their organizations.

Many of those who responded mentioned themes such as “doing the right thing with your people,” ethical accountability and caring for future generations’ well-being.

Human rights, working conditions, ethical business and responsible sourcing are all part of social responsibility, said Oren Jaffe, sustainability manager for SCS Global Services.

“Social responsibility is the way in which a business helps the people involved throughout their supply chain do their job better and invites them to buy into the larger vision of the organization,” said Cherie France, marketing manager for Homegrown Organic Farms.  “Whether it’s safety related or financial benefits — it all helps to improve the supply chain.”

Susan Futrell, marketing director for Red Tomato, Providence, R.I., said social responsibility is based on honesty, fairness, stewardship of the environment, race and gender equity.

Social responsibility means doing the right thing to ensure people are able to succeed, said Brianna Shales, marketing director for Stemilt Growers.