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Sustainability

• Environmental
• Harris Freeman Foundation

OVERVIEW

Harris Freeman & Company sources tea, herbs, and spices from different parts of the world, including the United States, India, Vietnam, Mexico, Argentina, Indonesia, and parts of Africa.

We wouldn’t be successful without the farming communities in origin countries that help grow our tea, herbs, and spices. We are committed to these farming communities for providing us with high quality products that have helped us achieve a reputation for excellence.

With a simple vision of making a difference, we started the Harris Freeman Foundation, a section 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that provides philanthropic services or monetary donations to aid under-developed communities, victims of natural disasters, and other supporting charity organizations.

OUR MISSION

Our mission is to impact the lives of source farm communities through a multi-pronged approach, with focused commitment to three critical areas.

• Health and Safety

• Educational support for source farm communities through direct financial contributions and development projects

• Sustainable production practices with respect for the environment

OUR APPROACH

Our field representatives visit the growing areas on a regular basis and gain a first-hand look at the environment and living conditions of these farming communities. With the assistance of local councils, we identify the prime needs of each area and work directly with the community leaders to oversee the distribution of funds and progression of donations.

A SAMPLE OF OUR PROJECTS

KOTAGIRI, INDIA
Kotagiri is a small town situated at an altitude of 6,500 feet in the picturesque Nilgiri region of Southern India. As a result of its optimal climate and rich top soil, this region produces high quality black and green tea. Harris Freeman & Co sources tea from this region for its premium tea blends.

In 2008, we decided to partner with the Church of South India (C.S.I) School, which has been in existence for over 100 years and serves nearly 850 students from 6th grade to the 12th grade. Many of the students in the C.S.I school are the children of tea farm workers. The school explained to us that they needed more classrooms. Most classrooms were over crowded as students had to sit tightly on small wooden benches and share text books. Recognizing a shortage of classrooms at the school, we embarked on a project to build five new classrooms and a computer lab. We also raised funds to provide the classrooms with study desks and chairs.

In 2010, our efforts assumed a new dimension when a major retailer, contributed computers for the computer lab at the school. The representatives of the company visited Kotagiri with us to inaugurate the new computers.

In the last few months, we have worked closely with the CSI school representatives to ensure that the five classrooms, computer lab, and furniture provided meet their needs. The classroom, computers, and furniture will provide students with additional learning sources and help them gain access to an improved curriculum.

GIA NGHIA, VIETNAM
Gia Nghĩa is a rural town located in Central highlands of Vietnam. Known for its rainfalls and rainy climate, it has also become an economic hub for Vietnam’s bustling pepper industry. Harris Freeman sources pepper from the region for some of the largest spice brands in North America.

As part of our commitment to facilitate quality education for the children of farm growers, Harris met with the local commission in 2010 to assess their greatest needs. We were asked to help build a foundation and drainage system for the local Nguyễn Viết Xuân Primary School. The existing foundation and drainage system was prone to flooding, which would prevent the students from attending class and eventually deteriorate the existing classrooms. In October 2011, our project was finished and over 260 students ranging from 1st to 5th grade were welcomed to their new school. The new foundation will not only reduce absenteeism, but will provide students a playground and help the school continue to provide affordable education.

MISIONES, ARGENTINA
Dos de Mayo is a tea and yerba mate growing region in Missiones, Argentina. Known for its proximity to Iguazú Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in the world, it is also home to one of Harris Freeman’s largest suppliers. Recognizing yet another shortage of classrooms available to the children of tea growers, we partnered with the Victoria Jean Navajas Foundation to help build a classroom for the local General San Martin School (School 417).” Established in 1957, School 417 serves over 500 students from primary to 7th grade.