Nutrien focused on both current and future food needs

Published: Apr 13, 2020

As an agriculture company and essential service, it’s critical we continue to operate during the COVID-19 crisis. Our vital role in the global food supply chain will help ensure grocery store shelves are full this fall, and beyond. 

But we recognize this pandemic has resulted in immediate food needs, too, thus at the forefront of our community support plan is helping those in need right now. 

Local Food Solutions 

Focused on ensuring the most vulnerable groups – with an emphasis on children – have access to food or meals during these trying times, Nutrien has put aside US$1 million to help keep local food programs running.

We’re proud to have so many strong, capable partners in the communities where we live and operate, who are collaborating more than ever in their commitment to get food to tables, even under the most difficult circumstances.

Our support also extends to three other areas.

Virtual Youth Education

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, offers everything students in grades 7-12 need to explore world food sustainability from home, in an easy to use, step-by-step format. Teachers and parents can deliver the program online using lesson plans provided, or use the student-led experience option for flexible delivery. Virtual programs are essential these days and Nutrien has a variety of eLearning resources to offer. 

Employee Engagement

Fueled by our purpose to grow our world from the ground up, and driven by our desire to roll up our sleeves and lend a hand, the mobilization of Nutrien’s workforce has begun. We’ve expanded our volunteer program for 2020 so employees can take up to five paid days off to safely volunteer in their community. This could also be used for virtual volunteering opportunities.

Meanwhile, our internal Grow our Community program matches up to $5,000 for each employee’s personal donations. Every little bit helps at a time when so many great causes are in need of a hand.

In-Kind Donations

Lastly, we continue to watch for opportunities to provide in-kind gifts. Whether this is N95 masks, Tyvek suits, computers, or the manufacturing of hand sanitizer as some of our facilities have begun to do, the needs of the health system and our surrounding communities will continue to be closely monitored in case there is more we can do.

If you work in local food solutions in a community near a Nutrien operation and could use our help or are looking for volunteers, please let us know.