In continuation of their mission to improve nutrition and food security through local humanitarian and philanthropic projects, JP Farms recently donated and installed a water pump with capacity to supply over 60,000 gallons of water, to The Pringle Home for Children. The meaningful gesture was well received by an overjoyed Jeanette Rose-Bryan, director of the facility.

“I am feeling very relieved that our water challenges will now be alleviated. It lifts the spirits that our children and administrators will now have access to life-giving water to address their basic needs and self-care,” she stated.

Rose-Bryan further revealed that the previous pump had been out of operation for two years and the home had resorted to trucking water.

JP Farms had previously pledged its support to the home with regular donations of over 300 lbs of its freshly picked JP pineapples, ripe and green bananas.

Commenting on the nutritional value of the produce for the children, Rose-Bryan shared that the donations by JP Farms have encouraged fellowship among them.

“Corporate Jamaica has a big role to play in ensuring our children feel that connection in between what could be called the outside world and their world. When they see a group of people come in to help, it allows them to recognise they are remembered, they are still loved, and are part of the human race,” she said.

“And, you see food, food is important for human beings, for nutrition, but food is also important for fellowship because it is the act of reaching out to someone. It is a kind of stewardship responsibility; the children see someone coming to share something they have, and when they consume it, it is as if it becomes part of this person and it makes them feel good and so special.”

While discussing the importance of private sector involvement in alleviating food insecurity, Gayon Douglas, marketing executive at JP Farms, said: “Extending a helping and healthful hand to at-risk Jamaicans, especially our children, has always been a key part of our CSR policy here at JP Farms. We recognise that the budgets of these homes have been incredibly stretched recently and, like everyone else, our business has been feeling the squeeze of rising costs, but we have to continue to put aside something for the most vulnerable among us every chance that we get.”

She continued: “JP Farms has a long and storied history with the Pringle family, and we absolutely look forward to strengthening our partnership with the home and finding meaningful ways to help these crucial institutions provide nutritious meals for those in their care.”

JP Farms is a subsidiary of Jamaica Producers Group and is a leading producer of high-quality tropical foods in the Caribbean. JP bananas, pineapples, plantains and coconuts are grown and harvested on the 500-plus-acre JP Farm in St Mary, Jamaica and sold locally and internationally under the JP and St Mary’s brands.