A donation by JWN Foundation of chicken starter kits and food items to farming communities in Clarendon has been welcomed by beneficiaries.

“Today’s donation from the JWN Foundation will go a long way in supporting our community and our need to start a small business so that we can sell and buy more so that our business can expand. Ultimately, it’s bigger and better for us. I even have plans to build a bigger ‘chicken coob’ in my backyard,” shared Anneika Bailey, a resident of Gimme-Me-Bit, Clarendon.

The foundation explained that the donation forms part of J Wray & Nephew’s ongoing commitment to support local farmers and provide food security in Jamaica.

The project, which began in 2021 in St Elizabeth, recognises the potential of agri-business as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation and improved livelihoods in communities surrounding J Wray & Nephew factory locations. This phase focuses on nine communities in the Clarendon area.

“This has been something that the community members have requested, and we listened. By equipping individuals with the necessary resources and support, the JWN Foundation seeks to enable participants to establish sustainable and profitable poultry ventures. We are proud to support the farming communities in Clarendon through this and other donations as we recognise the important role that farmers play in ensuring food security and economic growth in Jamaica, and we are committed to supporting them,” a release from the foundation quotes its CEO Tanikie McClarthy Allen.

Clarendon South Western Member of Parliament Lothan Cousins was on hand for the donation and had great things to say about the continued investments from the JWN Foundation.

“Every quarter, JWN has this community council meeting to hear the feedback of the people and see how the company is impacting the community members. I have seen many benefits from this approach, and I look forward to the continued exemplary leadership of the company,” he said.

“As a matter of fact, I wish more companies would take a look at this model employed by the JWN Foundation to see how best they can continue to contribute to the overall development of Jamaica,” he added.

The foundation said the donation comes at a critical time when many Jamaicans are facing economic challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic and rising food costs. With the support of the foundation, farmers in Clarendon will be able to provide for their families and contribute to the local economy.

Since its inception in 2012, the JWN Foundation has been supporting local communities, donating to schools, hospitals, and other organisations in need. The foundation actively plays a part in ‘transforming lives and communities for a better Jamaica.’

The chicken starter kits consist of baby chicks, broiler pellet, broiler crumble, feeder pans, vitamins, heat bulbs and instructions on how to care for the chickens, while the food packages, donated by Lasco, comprised Lasco Food Drink, Lasco Rolled Oats, Lasco Baked Beans and more.

JWN Foundation said the donation benefited more than 40 farming families in Clarendon for this phase. It also said that the company will continue supporting local communities in Jamaica in the future.