Candy-making giant the Hershey Company recently partnered with cocoa suppliers Blommer Chocolate and Olam Cocoa to build a much-needed health center in Teapleau, Cote d'Ivoire.
The Hershey Learn to Grow training and sustainability program was established to improve the lives of the local cocoa farmers and their families. The health center, a part of the program, provides basic health care to the workers, families and their community. Vaccinations, testing for diseases and maternity care are among the services offered.
“Our programs go beyond helping farmers learn how to grow quality, sustainable cocoa,” Senior Vice President, Chief Supply Chain Officer Terry O’Day said. “We work with our partners to improve the well-being of all families through education and development projects that benefit everyone in the community.”
In addition to the health center in Cote d'Ivoire, the partners laid the cornerstone to a second health center in Siambly, outside of the city of Man. The new center will serve approximately 24,000 people in Siambly and five nearby communities.
“In addition to the support of the individual farm, providing the opportunities necessary to help build thriving communities is critical to the long-term success of the farming sector," Blommer Corporate Director, Sustainability, Kip Walk said. "We share Hershey’s vision of benefiting thousands of lives.”
Alerts Sign-up