Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Inc., Commits Over $2 Million to Help Nicaraguan Coffee Growers
WATERBURY, Vt. January 9, 2013 /3BL Media/ - As part of its commitment to Brewing a Better World TogetherSM, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc., (GMCR) (NASDAQ: GMCR), a leader in specialty coffee and coffee makers, has committed over $2 million to support two clean water projects in communities where the Company sources coffee in Nicaragua.
GMCR has joined forces with two non-profit organizations in northern Nicaragua to fund two potable water projects over the next five years. Both projects intend to increase community access to clean water, improve food security, and provide education on sanitation, nutrition, and environmental protection.
According to the most recent Joint Monitoring Report by UNICEF and the World Health Organization, only 68% of people in rural Nicaragua have access to safe drinking water. Many families are forced to collect water from streams and unprotected wells.
"Water For People" will work in the communities of
San Rafael del Norte and partner with the local government, the Nicaraguan Ministry of Education, and three coffee cooperatives. GMCR will provide $1,250,000 over five years for Water For People's ambitious plan to provide full water coverage to the entire municipality of
San Rafael del Norte by 2017.
"This strategic investment by GMCR will help change the lives for thousands of people in San Rafael del Norte," said
Ned Breslin, Water For People CEO. "And more importantly, it will serve as a model that can be replicated throughout the country so that the entire nation of Nicaragua can meet its water challenges in the future."
At the same time, GMCR will provide $961,359 over three years to a water project coordinated by CII-ASDENIC, the Association of Social Development of Nicaragua. The project's goal is to improve the quality of life for 800 rural families in 10 coffee-producing communities. If the project meets its goals, by the end of the third year 90% of the families will have access to potable water, 30% will have improved food security due to better access to water, and all communities will have a greater ability to adapt to climate change. Together these interventions will revitalize, strengthen, and diversify the smallholder farmer's local economy.
"This partnership supports CII-ASDENIC's continued efforts to improve the quality of life for those living in Northern Nicaragua," said
Raul Diaz, Director of CII-ASDENIC. "Access to clean, potable water is essential for improving the health and food security of these vulnerable families."
Together, the water projects are expected to improve the lives of almost 3000 families. "Our strategic grant making is designed to help source communities address the root of local challenges while enhancing supply chain stability," said
Michael Dupee, Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility for GMCR.
About Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc.
As a leader in specialty coffee and coffee makers, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc. (GMCR) (NASDAQ:GMCR), is recognized for its award-winning coffees, innovative Keurig® Single Cup brewing technology, and socially responsible business practices. GMCR supports local and global communities by offsetting 100% of its direct greenhouse gas emissions, investing in sustainably-grown coffee, and donating a portion of its pre-tax profits to social and environmental projects. For more information, please visit us online at www.GMCR.com; www.greenmountaincoffeeroasters.com or www.keurig.com.
GMCR routinely posts information that may be of importance to investors in the Investor Relations section of its website, including news releases and its complete financial statements, as filed with the SEC. The Company encourages investors to consult this section of its website regularly for important information and news. Additionally, by subscribing to the Company's automatic email news release delivery, individuals can receive news directly from GMCR as it is released.
About Water For People
Water For People is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to providing access to improved water and sanitation systems and services in developing countries. By working with local governments, the private sector, and partners, Water For People ensures that everyone in a specific region has these basic needs met forever. This innovative approach reaches every family, every school, and every clinic, catalyzing transformative change for better health and economic development to occur. Learn more at www.waterforpeople.org.
About CII-ASDENIC
The Nicaraguan Association for Social Development (ASDENIC), founded in 1990, is a local development organization legally established and recognized by the National Assembly of the Republic of Nicaragua. ASDENIC works to promote social and economic development in rural and urban communities, principally in the Las Segovias region in northern Nicaragua. Learn more at www.asdenic.org.
GMCR
Laura Peterson, 802-488-2459
Corp. Comm. Manager
laura.peterson@gmcr.com
