COVID-19 Community Support
Published: Aug 30, 2021
The agriculture industry is focused on business continuity and the critical role we play in the global food supply chain. We also place a high priority on keeping food programs running without disruption in the communities where we live and operate. At the onset of COVID-19, Nutrien developed a purpose-driven community response plan to support the immediate needs of our local communities. We continue to monitor the need for further support as the situation evolves. To learn more about our community response plan, watch our COVID-19 Community Impact Video.
Local food solutions
Focused on ensuring the most vulnerable groups -- particularly children -- have access to food or meals during these trying times, Nutrien has contributed approximately US$2 million to help keep local food programs running around the world. It was a global effort with all business units engaged working through more than 220 charitable organizations.
We are proud to have so many strong, capable partners who are collaborating more than ever in their commitment to get food to tables, even under the most difficult circumstances.
Learn more about how Nutrien is keeping communities healthy during the pandemic.
Our support also extends to three other areas.
Virtual youth education in sustainable agriculture
Nutrien is well positioned to help parents, teachers, and students of all ages bridge the education gap caused by recent school closures. We are a proud community partner on a collection of virtual agriculture-education resources. These programs are free and were developed in collaboration with teachers and industry experts to ensure they are factual, curriculum-based and interactive.
Journey 2050, for example, helps students in grades 7-12 can explore world food sustainability from home. Teachers and parents can deliver the program online using lesson plans provided, or choose the student-led experience option, which includes an easy-to-use, step-by-step guide. Virtual programs are essential these days and Nutrien offers a variety of eLearning resources.
Learn more about how Nutrien has supported online learning through our Virtual Education Programs.
Employee engagement through donations and volunteering
Fueled by our purpose of Feeding the Future, and driven by our desire to roll up our sleeves and lend a hand, the mobilization of Nutrien’s workforce has begun. We expanded our volunteer program for 2020 and 2021 so employees can take up to five paid days off to safely volunteer in their community – either in-person, or virtually.
Meanwhile, our internal Grow our Community program matches each employee’s personal donations, up to $5,000. Every little bit helps when so many great causes are in need of assistance.
In-kind donation of PPE to support healthcare workers
To date, we have contributed over $300,000 to COVID-19 response efforts through in-kind donations. Whether this is N95 masks, Tyvek suits, or the manufacturing of hand-sanitizer as some of our facilities have done, the needs of the health system and our surrounding communities will continue to be closely monitored in case there is more we can do.
Other in-kind donations include computers and IT helpdesk support to our community partners.
If you are working on local food solutions in a community near where Nutrien operates and require assistance, or are looking for volunteers, please let us know at: community.investment@nutrien.com.
