Giving Resources and Opportunities to Workers, or G.R.O.W., is a charitable organization started by Organics Unlimited in 2005. Their mission is to create a better quality of life for not only farm workers and their families, but entire growing communities in impoverished areas of Mexico and Ecuador. By purchasing G.R.O.W. bananas at the Co-op, you’re contributing to real and positive changes for people and the Earth through charitable programs and sustainable agriculture. 60ยข from every case sold goes directly to the growing communities, helping them purchase resources and create opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable.

Since First Alternative began participating in the G.R.O.W. Program in 2005, we have contributed $36,906.60 thanks to your banana purchases! In 2023 alone, your purchases helped fund at least five scholarships to students pursuing a high school education. These scholarships create real change in impoverished agricultural communities, where children are often pressured to choose work over school. The comprehensive support they provide covers school fees, supplies, clothes, and transportation. This allows more kids to attend classes regularly and with greater success. Communities see increased graduation rates and more of their children continue on to college, where further G.R.O.W.-funded support is available. Education creates long term change for the better in individuals and communities and helps break the cycle of poverty. Buying G.R.O.W. bananas fosters this change, and ensures you always have a delicious, nutritious snack on hand. To learn more, check out our full Thymes magazine article about the G.R.O.W. program and what it takes to successfully grow bananas.

The month of September is G.R.O.W. Month, which means it is a great time to learn about the G.R.O.W. program and get excited about the impact that you can make as a Co-op shopper. To celebrate this, we’re hosting a few fun events and promotions!

  • LEARN & TASTE: Our friends at Organically Grown Company will be visiting the stores to share samples and information about the G.R.O.W. program and fairly traded bananas and papayas! Swing by the South Store on Friday, Sept. 6, 5-7pm and the North Store on Friday, Sept. 20, 5-7pm for the fun.
  • DONATE AT THE REGISTER (Sept. 16-23): We are fundraising extra money to help support even more scholarships for high school students this year. From September 16-23, simply let your cashier know that you’d like to round up your total at the register or donate an extra amount for the G.R.O.W. program! First Alternative Co-op will match donations for every scholarship reached from customer donations, so let’s work together to support as many students as we can!
  • WIN A BANANA-LOVER GIFT BASKET: We’ve rounded up all your favorite banana flavored and themed products for one lucky winner! Follow @firstaltcoop on Instagram by Sept. 20 to enter on social media, or visit the North Store tasting on Friday, Sept. 20, from 5-7pm to enter in the store.