Sugar Producers ‘Have Our Backs’ Amid Pandemic

Volunteers at U.S. Sugar recently donned masks and carefully packed crates brimming full of green beans. Each crate full of fresh produce was destined for a local church or community group.

When the farmers at U.S. Sugar saw that many of their neighbors in the community were facing food insecurity due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, they knew exactly what to do.

“We are neighbors helping neighbors and trying to share the bounty of our farms with local families when they need it most,” said Judy Sanchez, U.S. Sugar Senior Director for Corporate Communications and Public Affairs. “These communities, where we have lived and raised our families for generations, hold a special place in our hearts.”

In total, they donated more than 120,000 servings of green beans to those who needed it most.

“In this crisis and many others, farmers always have our backs and we are grateful for their hard work growing food for Americans,” said Pastor Gary McNealy, of the Friendship Baptist Church in Harlem, Florida.

While still working in fields and factories to produce an essential food ingredient, sugar farmers and producers across America have also been quietly acting in a multitude of ways to support our communities during this unprecedented pandemic. These extraordinary gestures are an ordinary act for an industry that prides itself on providing a helping hand and investing in sustainable communities.

Now more than ever, that commitment is critical.

Sugar producers have donated nourishing produce to food pantries and sugar to distilleries to produce hand sanitizer. They’ve provided protective equipment to keep frontline health care providers safe. And they’ve purchased gift cards to help local restaurants stay open and employees fed.

The American sugar industry is working in innovative ways to keep our communities strong. We are proud of the generosity of our industry, so we are sharing a small series of stories focused on these inspiring gestures.

Our series will take you around the nation as we chronicle the efforts of the men and women who grow and produce our sugar as they support the national fight against COVID-19.