DOLE EMPLOYEES PLAY VITAL ROLE IN REBUILDING TYPHOON BATTERED CENTRAL AMERICA

As a result of two massive storms having hit barely two weeks apart in 2020, the communities and towns of Honduras and Guatemala, many of which support Dole's farms and employees, were destroyed.

Dole was able to evacuate employees and their families before "Eta" and "Iota" having made landfall, but many were not fortunate enough to lose their lives, property, and crops. Later, drinking water was needed, home repairs, new clothing, necessities, and appliances.

As an organization closely linked to these communities through the banana industry, Dole acted swiftly to provide support and resources. Not only did we intervene as an organization, but many Doll employees, partners, and public supporters, no matter how physically separated from these communities, have their time and money to help. Provided. Much has been achieved in the last six months since the catastrophic damage of the hurricane.

Firstly, Dole employees, the company, and the general public are working together to solicit donations to buy a food basket containing a month's worth of major groceries for a family of five, including red beans, rice, cornflour, vegetable oil, and infant formula. Raised $ 250,000 for.

The food basket was distributed to 10,000 needy households in a community close to our location and other areas through the relief organization CEPUDO and the Cortez Chamber of Commerce, which have an established distribution network.

Secondly, the Honduras Red Cross has received dozens of boxes of clothing and shoes donated by North American Doll employees and Doll's Standard Fruits de Honduras. In addition, 500,000 lempira (US$ 20,000) was donated to help and support the needy.

Thirdly, Dole provided the use of company machinery and heavy equipment for the repair of public services, bridges, roads, and trunk roads. Furthermore, Dole has allocated space for ships heading south to a humanitarian organization that carries and distributes disaster relief supplies and equipment.

Lastly, following the complete destruction of many banana-producing areas, Dole has been the primary employer of choice for people in the area, facilitating efforts to restore banana plantations to full production. Although land preparation takes time and is perfectly adapted to the conditions of each farming area, it is very important to get jobs and salaries back to the area quickly.

Nelson Montoya, President of Doll Fresh Fruit North America, said: "The tragic destruction that these communities have endured is far from telling, but the catastrophe did not defeat them. The compassion, resilience, and companionship of all of our teams in Honduras and Guatemala. Awareness encourages me. We will continue to invest for everyone to recover."

This investment has reached an important milestone in the reconstruction process of Honduras. On May 4, the first new banana vineyards were planted at Mendes Farm in the Bali Masa region, and shortly thereafter at Copote Farm in the Isletas region, and most recently at Palo Verde Farm in the Coyores region.

Dole expects to begin delivering quality fruit from these areas to customers in January 2022, while working to restore production in these affected areas of Honduras and Guatemala.

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