When a series of earthquakes struck Venezuela in late June, the devastation was immediate and staggering. Grocery retailers and food companies across the U.S. — from Florida to California and beyond — have mobilized to help. What emerged was a coordinated response across the food industry that transformed store aisles into donation centers, checkout counters into fundraising hubs and supply chains into relief pipelines. Here is a closer look at what grocers and food companies are doing to aid earthquake relief efforts in Venezuela.
Amazon Inc.
Amazon is working with more than 12 nonprofits on the ground in Venezuela, using its global logistics, technology, and aviation capabilities to reach affected communities. An Amazon Air flight departed from Miami to Caracas on July 3, donating and delivering about 500,000 supplies — including sleeping bags, tarps, generators, water filters, diapers, cleaning equipment and hygiene kits — to nonprofits on the ground.
Amazon’s first distribution of free rapid response technology systems arrived in Venezuela on June 30, and hospitals and shelters in northern Venezuela are already using them to restore Wi-Fi connectivity. In the hours after the earthquakes, Amazon made cash donations to six nonprofits providing search and rescue, medical care and other emergency services.
“Every supply we fly in, every hospital we help reconnect to Wi-Fi, every weekly flight we coordinate on non-commercial routes — it’s all about reaching the people who need help and letting them know they’re not alone,” said Bettina Stix, director of Amazon Global Community Impact.
Goya Foods
Goya Foods, the largest Hispanic-owned food company in the U.S., is donating 100,000 pounds of food to help families in the area. In partnership with Global Empowerment Mission (GEM), the food will be distributed from Goya’s warehouse in Miami and delivered to communities throughout Venezuela, helping provide essential nourishment to those in urgent need.
“Our hearts are with the people of Venezuela during this incredibly difficult time,” said Peter Unanue, co-president of Goya Foods. “At Goya, we believe that when tragedy strikes, we have a responsibility to stand with those in need. Through our Goya Gives initiative, we are committed to supporting relief efforts and providing nourishment to families as they begin the long road to recovery.”
For 90 years, Goya has been at the forefront of disaster relief, responding to hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, wildfires and other humanitarian emergencies throughout the United States, Latin America, and around the world. The donation is through Goya Gives, the company’s global initiative dedicated to humanitarian relief, combating food insecurity, supporting education and celebrating cultural heritage.
Publix Super Markets
Publix Super Markets Charities (PSMC) is donating $250,000 to GEM to help support relief efforts following the recent earthquakes in Venezuela.
“We extend our sympathies to the families who have been devastated by the loss of life and destruction caused by the recent earthquakes in Venezuela,” said Publix Charities Executive Director John Doran. “While this tragedy occurred outside of Publix’s operating area, we felt compelled to help due to the critical need for immediate relief in addition to long-term restoration efforts.”
Media reports have stated that more than 1,900 people have died, more than 10,000 were injured and 40,000 are still unaccounted for. PSMC’s donation will help organizations working with local communities to provide support to those impacted by the earthquakes and contribute to recovery in the area.
Sedano’s Supermarkets
Sedano’s responded to the crisis by immediately donating truckloads of bottled water to GEM, as well as begin a long-term community donation drive across all 32 stores in Florida. Additionally, customers can drop off essential relief supplies, including nonperishable food, hygiene products, gauze, first-aid supplies, batteries, flashlights and other supplies, as well as monetary donations in stores. Those contributions will be used to purchase additional relief supplies for delivery by GEM.
“At Sedano’s, supporting our communities has always been at the heart of who we are,” said Javier Herrán, CMO at Sedano’s Supermarkets.
“Many of our customers and employees have deep ties to Venezuela, and during times of crisis we believe it’s our responsibility to bring our community together to help families in need. We are proud to partner with Global Empowerment Mission and invite our customers to join us in making a meaningful difference.”