Giving Tuesday, celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, has evolved into a global phenomenon spanning over 150 countries, supported by various charities, businesses, and communities. This initiative, aimed at promoting generosity and solidarity through donations and acts of charity, has become a powerful response to the consumer frenzy of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. While we applaud this valuable day of generosity, encouraging people to dedicate time, resources, and efforts to charitable causes and nonprofit organizations, it is crucial to look beyond a single day of giving and focus on a continuous culture of contribution, especially concerning corporate involvement.
While I appreciate one-time donations and the generous spirit of Giving Tuesday, I advocate for a deeper and more sustainable commitment. Companies, by adopting business models based on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Sustainability, or a Regenerative approach, can build a comprehensive culture of giving that endures over time, transcending momentary philanthropy.
A Continuous Commitment with Impactful Programs
At AgroAmérica, we have embraced these models, striving to benefit our customers, workers, their families, and the communities where we operate. Our commitment goes beyond Giving Tuesday; we invest over $2 million annually in sustainability and CSR programs aligned with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations.
Our sustainability program revolves around 5 priority axes, reflecting our comprehensive and long-term vision. Here are some of the priority themes we manage in each axis:
Impactful Initiatives: From Health to Education
We have implemented initiatives recognized internationally for their impact on society. The Human Development Center in southwestern Guatemala is an example. We invested over $1.8 million in a health clinic in collaboration with the University of Colorado, providing affordable healthcare to over 40,000 people in rural areas throughout the year. The center also includes a school for workers’ children and educational programs for women, pregnant mothers, and children, aimed at reducing malnutrition in the communities.
The Bana-Nutrition project contributes to combating child malnutrition in Guatemala, teaching beneficiary communities to produce banana flour using traditional methods. This program not only promotes self-sufficiency but also helps reduce malnutrition levels in the target areas. The program was recently recognized by Reuters in their Social Responsibility Awards.
Giving Culture in Action: Beyond a Specific Day
Our “giving culture” is evident in ongoing actions, such as regular donations of bananas to homes and rural schools, ensuring food security for residents and students. Just last year, we donated over 1.26 million bananas.
We are committed to improving the lives of our workers, their families, and the surrounding communities. We work closely with community leaders, NGOs, and government agencies. While we appreciate the idea of an international day of giving, our goal is to work daily to contribute to the UN SDGs.
By developing a culture of giving that extends beyond Giving Tuesday, companies demonstrate a consistent commitment to sustainable improvement in local and international communities. In a world where solidarity is crucial, this continuous approach can make a difference.
Celebrating the Thanksgiving Tradition
It is crucial to mention that our dedication to the giving culture is tied to the tradition of Thanksgiving, a time for reflection and expressing gratitude. This philosophy extends beyond a specific day and is integrated into every aspect of our operations and social responsibility programs. I share the link to a blog I wrote two years ago, reflecting on the significance of gratitude in the context of Thanksgiving celebrations.