Wonderful establishes covid-19 relief fund

Submissions are now open for the Wonderful Community grants program offering funding during time of critical need.

The Wonderful Company, dedicated to harvesting health around the world, has established a new $1 million relief fund to support nonprofit organizations and schools in California's Central Valley, including as Wasco, Shafter, Delano, Firebaugh, Avenal, Sanger, Mendota and Del Rey.

The company said funding will go to organizations and schools in these communities that have been impacted either by state or federal budget cuts or have new, critical needs due to the pandemic.

"Now more than ever, we are focused on the health and well-being of our employees, both while they are doing the essential work of feeding our nation and when they return home to be with their families," said Andy Anzaldo, chief operating officer at The Wonderful Company. "We are doing everything in our power to support the vulnerable communities where our employees live and work. Our hope is that our $1 million fund will help to stimulate or reinvigorate many vital programs whose budgets have been cut in the face of this devastating pandemic.

"The Wonderful Company has become a critical partner in our ongoing efforts to provide fresh produce to rural communities like Wasco and Delano through our annual Farmers Market program in the spring and summer," said Jeremy Tobias, CEO at Community Action Partnership of Kern. "As we face the covid-19 health crisis, these efforts have become vital for our communities.

Tobias said that the Community Action Partnership has been able to use the funding from the Wonderful program to collect and deliver fruit, vegetables and food staples to thousands of low-income individuals and families.

Submissions are now open for COVID-19 relief grants ranging from $1,000 to $100,000. Applications must be submitted by Aug. 31 to receive priority and all participating organizations will be notified by Sept. 14. To learn more about the submission process and requirements, visit http://www.wonderfulcommunitygrants.com.

Since its launch in 2016, the Wonderful Community Grants program has contributed more than $2 million to 90 grants, including nonprofits and city and county governments.

This year, Wonderful has significantly expanded the scope and funding of its existing program as part of a proactive and concerted company-wide fight against covid-19.

Each year, Wonderful invests millions of dollars in community development, education, and health-and-wellness programs across the Central Valley and beyond, with the goal of enriching and enhancing the lives of its employees who live there.

The Wonderful Company is a privately held $5 billion global company dedicated to harvesting health around the world. Its iconic brands include Fiji Water, POM Wonderful, Wonderful pistachios, Halos and seedless lemons.