Fyffes helps transform housing for banana-farming families
Fyffes helps transform housing for banana-farming families
More than 300 banana-farming families in Colombia’s Magdalena region now have safer, healthier homes thanks to a five-year partnership between Fyffes, the Albert Heijn Foundation,the Banasan Foundation and Banasan affiliated corporations. The Building Dreams project, launched in 2020, was designed to improve living conditions, sanitation and wellbeing for banana-growing communities.
At a ceremony marking five years of the project, partners reflected on the impact of the initiative, which combines infrastructure upgrades, psychosocial support and environmental education.
“I am privileged and delighted to have met with local families today who have had their lives transformed through the Building Dreams program," said Erik Vorenkamp, president of the Albert Heijn Foundation. "Not only have we provided improved living conditions for these families, but we have also improved their quality of life and personal development through the psychosocial support program.”
“Before, I used to say that I hated the rain because the roof of my house was made of plastic, we didn't have a proper bathroom,and the house was in very poor condition," said María Lara, a mother of four children. "Now, my children can study and sleep comfortably. This project has given us back our hope and dignity.”
“A critical sustainability priority for Fyffes is building resilient communities and contributing to their economic development and enrichment," said Julie Cournoyer, Fyffes global director of sustainability. "Long-term partnerships with our customers and suppliers such as Albert Heijn and Banasan, give us the capacity to develop truly impactful and life-changing programs such as Building Dreams. We are immensely grateful to the Albert Heijn and the Banasan Foundations for making dreams a reality for these families.”
The Building Dreams program has delivered significant improvements in families’ quality of life, including better access to health services, enhanced water, sanitation and hygiene facilities, improved education opportunities and a healthier environment.
