Tag: COVID-19

U.S. Sugar’s Family of Farmers is Kickin’ COVID Together

Posted on by U.S. Sugar

CLEWISTON, FL – July 1, 2021 –U.S. Sugar’s family of farmers is kicking the COVID pandemic together. The company hosted a Kickin’ COVID Together Contest that gave workers the chance to win amazing prizes for receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. Among the prizes were five ThinkPad laptops, an Rtic 65 QT Cooler, a Traeger Timberline Grill and a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Truck.  

“U.S. Sugar understands that getting vaccinated is a personal choice. So, we wanted to incentivize the process in an effort to protect families, fellow workers, and our local communities by working together and doing our part to help stop the spread of COVID-19,” said Carl Stringer, Vice President of Information Technology and Employee Benefits.  

Employees had until 8 a.m. Wednesday, June 30th to enter the contest. As a result, approximately 60% of employees have chosen to become vaccinated and each will be awarded $100 for participating. Winners were randomly drawn by Toni Pavey-McDaniel, a nurse practitioner and licensed risk manager with Hendry Regional Medical Center/Corporate Health, partners in COVID-19 testing and vaccine programs with U.S. Sugar. Winners received their prizes on Thursday, July 1st at 11 a.m. at U.S. Sugar’s headquarters in Clewiston. 

“It is a blessing to work for a company that genuinely cares about the health of its people,” said Eneyda Rios, winner of the 2021 Chevy Silverado. “I can’t believe I won a new pick-up truck, just for taking advantage of an opportunity to participate in a program that was designed to truly benefit my family and all those around me.” 

Other contest winners include: J Reyes Santiago, Porfirio Diaz Garcia, Robert Jamerson, Irma Pacheco, Daniel Rifa, Noe Augustin, Lanzet Richards, and Orlando Cornejo who work across the numerous job sectors U.S. Sugar has to offer. 

The people of U.S. Sugar provide American food for American families. The majority of the company’s employees live in the communities near Lake Okeechobee and in the surrounding South Florida region. The Kickin’ COVID Together initiative is yet another example of U.S. Sugar’s long-held commitment to being active and engaged community partners. 

U.S. Sugar, Glades Cities and Sheriff’s Departments Partner to Provide Families with Safe, Socially-Distant Trick or Treating Options

Posted on by U.S. Sugar

Clewiston, FL– This Halloween, the people of U.S. Sugar are teaming up with the cities of Moore Haven, LaBelle, Clewiston, Belle Glade, and Indiantown as well as local sheriffs’ departments to safely distribute sweet treats to area children. Candy will be available to all children in attendance at the below events.

“The sweetest time of year is upon us, and the people of U.S. Sugar are happy to be doing our part to help provide Glades-area children with a safe place to get sweet treats,” said U.S. Sugar Community Relations Manager Brannnan Thomas. “We appreciate our community partners for helping us to get the word and the candy out this Halloween.”

“Allowing families to safely receive candy in our communities on Halloween is a priority here in Moore Haven,” said Glades County Sheriff David Hardin. “We appreciate the support of U.S. Sugar to help bring together families in our community.”

“While COVID-19 has prevented us from doing many things, it has not stopped our children’s’ desire to safely trick or treat this Halloween,” said Hendry County Sheriff Steve Whidden. “Our department appreciates the opportunity to work with U.S. Sugar and provide safe options for trick or treating this season.”

At all community event locations, children and families are encouraged to follow all Centers for Disease Control guidelines. These include maintaining a 6-foot distance from others and the use of face masks. When possible, U.S. Sugar and its partners will be distributing candy to vehicles as they drive through event locations. For more information, please visit the U.S. Sugar Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/USSugarFL/.

Details on community Halloween events

Moore Haven | Fri. Oct. 30

Glades County Trunk or Treat: 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Chalo Nitka Grounds – 998 S US 27

Decorate your car- Please wear a face covering

Village of Indiantown | Sat. Oct. 31

No Tricks, Just Treats Drive-By:  3 p.m. – 5 p.m.

The Village Hall – 15516 SW Osceola St.

City of Belle Glade | Sat. Oct. 31

Octoberfest: 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Louis Butts Park – 1224 SW Ave. E Place

Food, Music, Haunted House, Candy & Costume Contest

Face coverings required. Children must be accompanied by an adult

City of Clewiston | Sat. Oct. 31

Mobile Trick or Treat: 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

John Boy Auditorium – 1200 S WC Owen Ave.

Collect Halloween candy from the safety of your car

LaBelle | Sat. Oct. 31

Third Annual Trunk or Treat: 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

LaBelle VFW 10100 – 20 Veterans Way

(Next to the Rodeo Grounds)

Free hotdogs, juice & chips for the kids

LaBelle | Sat. Oct. 31

Caloosa Baptist Church Trunk or Treat: 5 p.m.

Caloosa Baptist Church – 550 W. Hickpooche Ave.

LaBelle | Sat. Oct. 31

Hometown Trunk or Treat: 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Davis Prati Park – 1287 Lillian St.

Moore Haven | Sat. Oct. 31

First United Methodist Church Trunk or Treat: 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

300 Avenue L

Kids vote for the best decorated trunk

U.S. Sugar Donates 3,500 Backpacks to Elementary Students in Glades, Hendry and Martin Counties

Posted on by U.S. Sugar

Clewiston, FL – In preparation for the upcoming school year ahead and to assist families impacted by COVID-19,the people of U.S. Sugar this week donated 3,500 supply-filled backpacks to students in Hendry, Glades and Martin County. This follows the contribution of more than 5,000 filled backpacks supplied to the elementary schools in Western Palm Beach County. 

Warfield Elementary School (Indiantown) Principal Cristina Smith and U.S. Sugar Community Relations Manager Brannan Thomas.

“Every young student in our region will be trying to get back into the rhythm of a new school year, so we’re pleased to help get them get off to a solid start with a backpack full of school supplies,” said Brannan Thomas, Community Relations Manager.

Thomas added that each backpack also contained an easy-to-understand card with graphics illustrating COVID-19 precautions based on CDC recommendations such as wearing protective face coverings, frequent hand washing and social distancing for students.

To limit contact and abide by Center for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, a handful of U.S. Sugar representatives delivered backpacks to each school for safe distribution later to students.  

“We appreciate U.S. Sugar’s thoughtful donation and willingness to give back to our communities, especially during this difficult time for teachers, students and parents,” said Melissa Whitehead Carter, principal of Central Elementary in Clewiston. “Parents in our community will be happy to have one less expense in preparing their children to get back to school this year.”

A student with her new supplies at LaBelle Elementary School.

“Papers, pencils and a new pack may seem like small items to many of us, but when you’re out of work and just trying to make ends meet, they can seem like the greatest luxury,” said Sister Elizabeth Dunn, Director of Hope Rural School in Indiantown.

Throughout the pandemic, the people of U.S. Sugar have responded by providing hot meals, fresh produce and essential protective equipment and supplies across South Florida. The health and safety of its families, communities and its neighbors have remained a priority since the company was founded in 1931.

COVID-19 May Have Cancelled Public Events, But it Hasn’t Dampened Our Glades’ Sense of Community

Posted on by U.S. Sugar
Brannan and his “work from home assistant,” Braxton.

Back in mid-March, news of COVID-19’s negative impact on our way of life seemed to spread faster than the virus itself. First, Clewiston’s annual Sugar Festival was cancelled. Then, Black Gold Jubilee in Belle Glade was postponed until the fall. Then, spring youth and high school sports and finally, even most graduation ceremonies were cancelled. All of the typical spring and summer events we look forward to were put on hold for the foreseeable future.

At U.S. Sugar, we began taking CDC-recommended precautions in early March to help limit the spread of the virus, including working from home for positions that allow it, temperature-taking at the front entrance of all of our facilities, and increased sanitizing efforts, the use of hand sanitizer, masks, and social distancing. Despite the virus, we had a successful end to our 88th consecutive crop while keeping nearly all of our employees healthy and  safe.  But while farming continued, the needs of our community increased as unemployment and uncertainty and unavailability of goods began to rise.

When your job involves meeting people out in the community like mine, the limits of the pandemic change it significantly. My in-person involvement in board meetings such as the Boys and Girls Club of Palm Beach County went virtual. Our local Rotary canceled its weekly meetings. Ribbon cuttings and building dedications were replaced by community food distributions that U.S. Sugar and our local partners in agriculture helped organize to ensure our neighbors had food when store shelves became bare.

When our vegetable harvest ended in late spring and we no longer had fresh produce to give, we continued to find ways to feed neighbors.  I joined my fellow employees at local community events, donning masks and maintaining a safe 6-foot distance as we worked with the cities of South Bay, Bell Glade, and Pahokee and local restaurants. The people of U.S. Sugar have been participating in weekly food drives that help to feed thousands of Glades families. In June, we also joined local efforts in Harlem’s first Junteenth Celebration, and a colleague and I participated in the event’s historic march to help heal and unite our community.

As fall approaches, we are proud to once again partner with the Palm Beach County Education Foundation to provide additional backpacks for Western Palm Beach County, Hendry and Glades elementary school students.

In July, the people of U.S. Sugar partnered with Roland and Mary Ann Martin Marina to provide Student Aces of Palm Beach County with fishing poles and tackle to support summer youth fishing initiatives.

This past week, U.S. Sugar has also partnered with the H.E. Hill Foundation and others in the local “NBA Ballstars” backpack giveaway in South Bay, Belle Glade, and Pahokee. This is a great program that brings together our area youth with former NBA All Stars Otis Birdsong and Michael Ray Richardson and provides students with school supplies for the upcoming school year.

In July, U.S. Sugar sponsored Glades community backpack donations through the “NBA Ballstars” event in Belle Glade.

With schools set to re-open both virtually and in-person soon, we are looking forward to once again supporting teachers and students when we can as they confront the new challenges in trying to educate students during the middle of the pandemic. The teachers, school administrators and support staff are truly heroes for undertaking such a daunting but important task. We’re helping provide hand sanitizer and other supplies as we can in our local communities as needed.

As a father of a boy (and soon to be a girl!), I can’t help but think how this pandemic has changed their world. How long will they go without being able to hug people or give high fives and learn to talk while wearing a mask? We may not know any time soon. But we are all in this together. That is why I am so thankful to be working for a company that gives back to the communities that raised me at a time when my friends, neighbors, former teammates, coaches, and nearly everyone else need support the most.

Brannan Thomas and Ryan Duffy participated in the Charlotte Tarpon Boosters golf tournament in Punta Gorda in July.

 

Brannan Thomas
Community Relations Manager

A graduate of Lehigh University with a degree in environmental science, Mr. Thomas brings with him an extensive background in community and relationship building. A native of The Belle Glade Community, Mr. Thomas has deep roots in both Palm Beach and Hendry County. His diverse professional experiences encompass positions such as Collegiate Football Coach and Director of Business Development. Currently, he serves on the local boards of the Clewiston Chamber, Hendry County Economic Development Council, and Glades Boys and Girls club.

 

“Neighbors Feeding Neighbors”: How the People of U.S. Sugar Are Giving Back during COVID-19

Posted on by U.S. Sugar
Since April, the people of U.S. Sugar have been partnering with Florida Crystals, the Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative and local restaurants to provide more than 17,500 hot meals to area residents.

The concept of “community” is something that has been envisioned since U.S. Sugar’s inception in 1931. Our company’s founder, Charles Stewart Mott, would often say, “if we take care of our community, we take care of our company.” Since those early days, U.S. Sugar’s support for both our employees and our local residents has been inextricably linked, and Mr. Mott’s words hold true today.

When the early impact of COVID-19 began to be felt, there was never a question of how the people of U.S. Sugar would respond. Yes, “critical infrastructure” activities such as sugarcane harvesting and transporting, sugar manufacturing and refining, and vegetable harvesting would continue, but our support for our local communities would also increase.

In mid-March, we began securing the supplies we knew would be needed by local hospitals, first responders, and elderly health centers. We leaned on suppliers that normal provide equipment and supplies for our employees to help us find hand sanitizer, N95 masks, bottled water, and other critical needs for our communities. We also worked closely with our independent growers – which would normally be sending fresh food such as green beans and sweet corn to restaurants – to redirect those shipments to local community organizations such as food banks, churches and schools. Everywhere we delivered these supplies, we were overwhelmed by the demand, but also the gratitude we received.

Delivering meals to Belle Glade residents.

We used our partners within the food service industry, such as Duda Fresh Farm Foods, Pioneer Growers, and Cheney Brothers, to tell us what food and delivery options were available to ensure it would be delivered to the people and the places where it was needed most.

Over the last several weeks, we have continued to prioritize our local and coastal neighboring communities, to help ensure the compassion and understanding of our people can be felt far and wide. Here is an overview of our COVID-19 efforts to date.

  • Provided nearly 12,000 creates of locally-grown Florida sweet corn to residents in Punta Gorda, Fort Myers, Naples, LaBelle, Moore Haven, Buckhead Ridge, Ortona, Clewiston, Montura Ranches, Pioneer, South Bay, Belle Glades, Pahokee, Wellington, Royal Palm Beach, Greenacres, Indiantown and Stuart. These donations were made possible in cooperation with Duda Fresh Farm Foods, Pioneer Growers, Cheney Brothers, Naples Board of Realtors, Harry Chapin Food Bank, United Way of Palm Beach County, and Boys and Girls Club of Indiantown, Project LIFT in Martin County and dozens of other local community organizations.
  • Joined Florida Crystals and the Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative in the “Neighbors Feeding Neighbors” program to provide Glades residents with 17,500 hot meals from local, Glades-area restaurants over several weeks (nearly 600 meals per day)
  • Provided 15,000 N95 medical masks to our local hospitals and first responders, including the Clewiston Fire Department, Hendry Regional Medical Center in Clewiston and Lakeside Medical Center in Belle Glade as well as Glades-area doctors offices
  • Provided more than 1,200 bottles of water and premium Florida orange juice to Moore Haven residents through partnership with local food bank
  • Donated nearly 1,000 crates of fresh, locally-grown green beans (120,000 servings) to employees, food banks, churches and healthcare centers in Lee, Glades, Hendry, Palm Beach and Martin Counties. The green beans were donated to:
    • Christ Central Church (LaBelle, Florida)
    • Friendship Baptist Church (Harlem, Florida)
    • Florida Community Health Center (Clewiston, Florida)
    • Hendry Regional Medical Center (Clewiston, Florida)
    • St. Margaret Parish (Clewiston, Florida)
    •  First United Methodist Church (Clewiston, Florida)
    • The Glades Initiative (Belle Glade, Florida)
    • Palm Beach County Food Bank (Lantana, Florida)
    • Holy Cross Catholic Church (Indiantown, Florida)
    • Community Cooperative (Ft. Myers, Florida)
  • Provided 1,200 containers of sugarcane-based hand sanitizer from a local distillery and U.S. Sugar partner to Glades-area nursing homes, senior centers, first responders and our essential food supply employees. Organizations receiving the hand sanitizer include:
    • Oakbrook Health and Rehabilitation Center in LaBelle
    • Clewiston Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
    • Quiet Waters Senior Living and West County Senior Center in Belle Glade
    • Glades Healthcare Center in Pahokee.
    • Ferd & Gladys Alpert Jewish Family Service of Palm Beach County
  • Provided 2,000 pounds of meat and premium Florida orange juice to more than 250 U.S. Sugar employees and their families
  • Today and throughout this crisis, our 2,500 employees continue to grow, harvest and process safe, reliable food right here in Florida for our neighbors and fellow Americans

As the pandemic continues to impact almost every aspect of our lives, our commitment to our communities will never waver. The extraordinary people of U.S. Sugar recognize that service to our communities must continue as it always has.

Brannan Thomas
Community Relations Manager

A graduate of Lehigh University with a degree in environmental science, Mr. Thomas brings with him an extensive background in community and relationship building. A native of The Belle Glade Community, Mr. Thomas has deep roots in both Palm Beach and Hendry County. His diverse professional experiences encompass positions such as Collegiate Football Coach and Director of Business Development. Currently, he serves on the local boards of the Clewiston Chamber, Hendry County Economic Development Council, and Glades Boys and Girls club.

The People of U.S. Sugar Once Again Providing 5,000 Crates of Sweet Corn to Florida Families with Assistance from Pioneer Growers, Duda Farm Fresh Foods and Cheney Brothers

Posted on by U.S. Sugar

Clewiston, FL – As our vegetable harvest season winds down, the people of U.S. Sugar announced today they will make another large contribution of 5,000 crates of Florida-grown Glades sweet corn to families across Southwest and South Florida starting tomorrow in cooperation with Pioneer Growers, Duda Farm Fresh Foods and Cheney Brothers. The recently harvested sweet corn was grown by Glades farmers, packaged by Pioneer Growers and Duda Farm Fresh Foods and will be delivered by Cheney Brothers.

“Since our company was founded in 1931, giving back to our communities has always been an important part of U.S. Sugar’s mission,” said Judy Sanchez, Senior Director for Corporate Communications and Public Affairs. “With demand for locally-grown, fresh food currently high, we are proud to provide our neighbors with some of the sweet corn grown right here in the Glades communities.”

Following these donations, the people of U.S. Sugar will have distributed more than 11,000 crates of sweet corn, or nearly 530,000 ears of corn.   Our “Neighbors Feeding Neighbors” efforts during COVID-19 has helped provide fresh food and critical supplies to the people of Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Glades, Hendry, Highlands, Okeechobee, Palm Beach and Martin Counties.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the people of U.S. Sugar have also provided hand sanitizer and N95 masks for healthcare employees and first responders, green beans for area churches and food banks, and hot meals for the people of South Bay, Belle Glade, and Pahokee. Additionally, U.S. Sugar recently provided more than 250 of its employees with nearly 2,000 pounds of meat thanks to a generous donation from its CEO, Robert Buker, Jr.

Starting tomorrow, Floridians may pick up free sweet corn at the following locations:

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Royal Palm Beach – 8:00 AM

Address: Royal Palm Commons

11600 Poinciana Blvd, Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411

Belle Glade – 9:00 AM

Hand Park

500 W Canal St., Belle Glade, FL 22430

Thursday, May 7, 2020

Fort Myers/Lehigh Acres – 10:00 AM

Address: Varsity Lake Middle School

801 Gunnery Rd. N, Lehigh Acres, FL 33971

LaBelle – 10:00 AM

Address: Christ Central Church

540 1st Ave, LaBelle, FL 33935

Moore Haven – 11:00 AM

Address: Doyle Conner Building

900 US-27, Moore Haven, FL 33471

Clewiston – 1:00 PM

Address: John Boy Auditorium

1200 W C Owen Ave, Clewiston, FL 33440

Friday, May 8, 2020

Greenacres – 8:00 AM

Address: Greenacres Community Center

501 Swain Blvd, Greenacres, FL 33463

Indiantown – 12:00 PM

Address: Holy Cross Catholic Church

15939 SW 150th St, Indiantown, FL 34956

Stuart – 2:00 PM

Address: Martin County Fairgrounds

2616 SE Dixie Hwy, Stuart, FL 34996

About Pioneer Growers

For more than 65 years Pioneer Growers has been known for quality, service, and food safety excellence. Our local, fresh vegetables are shipped throughout North America and the world. Pioneer Growers is one of the largest distributors of sweet corn in the industry. In addition to our sweet corn, we are known for high quality green beans, radishes, celery and cabbage. 

About Duda Farm Fresh Foods

Starting out as a humble celery farm in 1926, DUDA’s business operations today include Duda Farm Fresh Foods, one of the world’s leading producers and suppliers of celery and other quality fresh and fresh-cut vegetables and citrus; The Viera Company, a highly regarded community developer with fully-integrated real estate operations including Viera Builders, a residential home builder; as well as Duda Ranches, manager of DUDA’s agricultural operations including sod, sugarcane, citrus and cattle.

About Cheney Brothers

We insist upon top quality products from nationally recognized manufacturers. Our broad inventory consists of more than 64,000 stocked items, from gourmet to everyday. Never content to rest on our laurels, we strive to continuously improve and innovate our products and services. This commitment to excellence has served our customers well for more than 90 years, and continues to serve as our standard for success.

We understand that our customers rely on accurate and prompt deliveries. Our technological systems ensure that every order reaches customers on time and in optimal condition. Our state-of-the-art warehousing systems process every order with precision. A fleet of modern, temperature-controlled delivery trucks is equipped with satellite positioning technology to provide customers with faster, more efficient deliveries. These advances inspire customer confidence and satisfaction, which has been our goal since 1925.

About U.S. Sugar

U.S. Sugar is a farming company that grows and processes sugarcane, citrus, green beans, sweet corn and other vegetables. The company was founded in 1931 by Charles Stewart Mott, a visionary leader who hailed from a long line of farmers. Since the beginning, our company’s success has been rooted in traditional farming values and respect for the land. For more information, please visit www.ussugar.com.

The People of U.S. Sugar to Provide More than 6,000 Crates of Sweet Corn to Florida Families with Assistance from Duda Farm Fresh Foods and Cheney Brothers Sweet corn available in Southwest and South Florida locations starting tomorrow

Posted on by U.S. Sugar

Clewiston, FL – The people of U.S. Sugar announced today they will be providing more than 6,000 crates of Florida-grown Glades sweet corn to families across Southwest and South Florida starting tomorrow in cooperation with Duda Farm Fresh Foods and Cheney Brothers. The recently harvested sweet corn was grown by U.S. Sugar farmers, packaged by Duda and will be delivered by Duda Farm Fresh Foods and Cheney Brothers.

“As Americans are struggling to find food during the COVID-19 pandemic, the people of U.S. Sugar are answering the call to provide food for local families,” said Judy Sanchez, Senior Director for Corporate Communications and Public Affairs. “Neighbors feeding neighbors is what farming is all about, and our focus will remain on growing and harvesting safe, locally produced food crops for our families and yours during this crisis.”

Since the start of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the people of U.S. Sugar have also provided hand sanitizer and N95 masks for healthcare employees and first responders, green beans for area churches and food banks, and hot meals for the people of South Bay, Belle Glade, and Pahokee. Additionally, U.S. Sugar recently provided more than 250 of its employees with nearly 2,000 pounds of meat thanks to a generous donation from its CEO, Robert Buker, Jr.

Starting tomorrow, Floridians may receive sweet corn at the following locations:

Thursday, April 23, 2020
10:00 AM – Naples
Address: Naples Board of Realtors
1455 Pine Ridge Rd., Naples, FL 34109

11:00 AM – Ft. Myers
Address: Harry Chapin Food Bank
3760 Fowler St, Fort Myers, FL 33901

12:00 PM – LaBelle
Address: Christ Central Church LaBelle
540 1st Ave, LaBelle, FL 33935

12:45 PM – Ortona
Address: Ortona Community Center
2130 Ortona Locks Rd, Moore Haven, FL 33471

1:15 PM – Buckhead Ridge
Address: Buckhead Ridge Community Center
30086 E State RD.78, Okeechobee, FL 34974

2:00 PM – Moore Haven
Address: Doyle Conner Building
900 US-27, Moore Haven, FL 33471

2:30 PM – Clewiston
Address: John Boy Auditorium
1200 W C Owen Ave, Clewiston, FL 33440

3:30 PM – Montura Ranches
Address: Church of God
330 S. Estribo St., Clewiston, FL 33440

4:15 PM – Pioneer
Address: Pioneer Community Center
910 Panama Ave, Clewiston, FL 33440

Friday, April 24, 2020
10:00 AM – Wellington
Address: Wellington Community Center Center
12150 Forest Hill Boulevard, Wellington, FL 33414

11:00 AM – Royal Palm Beach
Address: Royal Palm Commons
11600 Poinciana Blvd, Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411

1:30 PM – Indiantown
Address: Holy Cross Catholic Church
15939 SW 150th St, Indiantown, FL 34956

3:00 PM – Stuart
Address: Martin County Fairgrounds
2616 SE Dixie Hwy, Stuart, FL 34996

About Duda

Starting out as a humble celery farm in 1926, DUDA’s business operations today include Duda Farm Fresh Foods, one of the world’s leading producers and suppliers of celery and other quality fresh and fresh-cut vegetables and citrus; The Viera Company, a highly regarded community developer with fully-integrated real estate operations including Viera Builders, a residential home builder; as well as Duda Ranches, manager of DUDA’s agricultural operations including sod, sugarcane, citrus and cattle.

About Cheney Brothers

We insist upon top quality products from nationally recognized manufacturers. Our broad inventory consists of more than 64,000 stocked items, from gourmet to everyday. Never content to rest on our laurels, we strive to continuously improve and innovate our products and services. This commitment to excellence has served our customers well for more than 90 years, and continues to serve as our standard for success.

We understand that our customers rely on accurate and prompt deliveries. Our technological systems ensure that every order reaches customers on time and in optimal condition. Our state-of-the-art warehousing systems process every order with precision. A fleet of modern, temperature-controlled delivery trucks is equipped with satellite positioning technology to provide customers with faster, more efficient deliveries. These advances inspire customer confidence and satisfaction, which has been our goal since 1925.

About U.S. Sugar

U.S. Sugar is a farming company that grows and processes sugarcane, citrus, green beans, sweet corn and other vegetables. The company was founded in 1931 by Charles Stewart Mott, a visionary leader who hailed from a long line of farmers. Since the beginning, our company’s success has been rooted in traditional farming values and respect for the land. For more information, please visit www.ussugar.com.

The People of U.S. Sugar Provide More than 120,000 Servings of Fresh, Locally-Grown Green Beans to Employees, South Florida Churches, Healthcare Providers and Food Banks

Posted on by U.S. Sugar

Clewiston, FL – As part of its ongoing local response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Sugar today announced it is contributing nearly 1,000 crates, or the equivalent of 120,000 servings of fresh, locally and American-grown green beans to employees, churches, healthcare providers, and food banks across South Florida.

“We are neighbors helping neighbors and trying to share the bounty of our farms with local families when they need it most,” said Judy Sanchez, U.S. Sugar Senior Director for Corporate Communications and Public Affairs. “These communities, where we have lived and raised our families for generations, hold a special place in our hearts.  Local families can have faith in knowing the people of U.S. Sugar will always be there for them.”

This week, the people of U.S. Sugar began distributing crates of green beans to area community organizations. Here are a list of our partners receiving fresh green beans that were grown on U.S. Sugar’s farms:

–          Christ Central Church (LaBelle, Florida)

–          Friendship Baptist Church (Harlem, Florida)

–          Florida Community Health Center (Clewiston, Florida)

–          Hendry Regional Medical Center (Clewiston, Florida)

–          St. Margaret Parish (Clewiston, Florida)

–          First United Methodist Church (Clewiston, Florida)

–          The Glades Initiative (Belle Glade, Florida)

–          Palm Beach County Food Bank (Lantana, Florida)

–          Holy Cross Catholic Church (Indiantown, Florida)

–          Community Cooperative (Ft. Myers, Florida)

What South Florida Leaders Are Saying about U.S. Sugar’s Green Bean Donation

“Thank you to U.S. Sugar, which we can always count on to be a good corporate citizen, especially in times of crisis. We appreciate their support in providing fresh food to our LaBelle community.”

–          Mitchell Wills, Pastor of LaBelle Christ Central Church

“We appreciate the generous food donation from U.S. Sugar, which will help to feed hundreds of families in our Harlem community. In this crisis and many others, farmers always have our backs and we are grateful for their hard work growing food for Americans during this ongoing epidemic.”

–          Pastor Gary McNealy, Harlem Greater Friendship Baptist Church

“Thanks to the people of U.S. Sugar, many of our community’s nurses and doctors will be eating and jucing fresh and healthy green beans grown locally by farmers. We offer our sincere appreciation for U.S. Sugar’s donation of crates of green beans as we continue to tackle COVID-19 in our local community.”

–          Nardina Johnson, Administrator of Florida Community Health Centers in Clewiston

“When ‘God Made a Farmer,’ he also made a selfless and humble servant that provides food for those in need. During this Holy Week, we appreciate the kindness and generosity U.S. Sugar and its employees are showing during this difficult time.”

–          Pastor Jeff Smith, First United Methodist Church in Clewiston

“With U.S. Sugar’s generous support, we have enough fresh green beans to help feed thousands of families in the Glades communities. We cannot thank them enough for donating crates of green beans so we can distribute them locally.”

–          Jose Jesus Zaragoza, Director of Communications and Advancement for The Glades Initiative

“During the COVID-19 crisis, thousands of South Florida families are in need of food, so we appreciate U.S. Sugar’s generous donation during this critical time. Thanks to U.S. Sugar, thousands of local families will have access to fresh green beans grown locally by farmers.”

–          Karen Erren, Executive Director of the Palm Beach County Food Bank

“We are incredibly appreciative of U.S. Sugar’s generous donation during these uncertain times. With this contribution, we will be able to feed hundreds of people throughout the Village of Indiantown including the members of our congregation and schools across the community.”
– Indiantown Vice Mayor and Holy Cross Catholic Church Office Coordinator Janet Hernandez

“We are grateful to U.S. Sugar for the 50+ bushels of green beans they donated.  They will be served to thousands of families over the Easter weekend and comes as a blessing during these trying times. US Sugar has been a strong partner through the years and we are very appreciative of their continued support of the Community Cooperative.”

–          Stefanie Edwards, Chief Development & Operating Officer of the Community Cooperative

About U.S. Sugar

U.S. Sugar is a farming company that grows and processes sugarcane, citrus, green beans, sweet corn and other vegetables. The company was founded in 1931 by Charles Stewart Mott, a visionary leader who hailed from a long line of farmers. Since the beginning, our company’s success has been rooted in traditional farming values and respect for the land.

Farmers and Other Essential Food Production Workers will Carry Permission Letters during COVID-19 Shutdown

Posted on by U.S. Sugar

Clewiston, FL – Today, all U.S. Sugar employees and suppliers who have been deemed essential to the nation’s food supply and national security will begin carrying authorization letters to inform authorities that they are approved to be out of their homes and working.

“Our farmers, workers and other essential food production vendors will continue working around the clock to keep safe, locally grown food on America’s grocery store shelves and American families’ tables,” said Judy Sanchez, Senior Director, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs.

U.S. Sugar’s farms in South Florida provide a significant amount of the sugar, citrus, sweet corn, green bean and other fresh fruits and vegetables that keep grocery stores and food markets supplied around the state and the country.

According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, farming and processing is considered “critical infrastructure” to continue the American food supply chain. As more and more shutdowns of entire counties continue, our family of farmers has not stopped working in the fields and factories to produce food for families.

In addition, residents of South Florida, including Palm Beach County where many of our people reside, have been ordered to stay at home unless they work for an essential business like ours.

U.S. Sugar employees, our farmers, contractors, suppliers, drivers and business partners which are essential to the American food supply chain all will carry letters stating this information so they can show it to local and State law enforcement if they are questioned or stopped while traveling in areas that have implemented a stay at home order from the Governor.

The Company also owns and operates an independent short-line railroad, the South Central Florida Express, which serves essential food and other agricultural producers that must remain in operation as part of the nation’s critical transportation infrastructure.

These essential services also follow all directives by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, the Centers for Disease Control and the federal government to keep our workers and our food supply as safe as possible during this pandemic.  What’s even more important is that these measures enable all of our people to continue working and earning a paycheck at a time when many other workers have been furloughed or laid off as a result of COVID-19.

About U.S. Sugar

U.S. Sugar is a farming company that grows and processes sugarcane, citrus, green beans, sweet corn and other vegetables. The company was founded in 1931 by Charles Stewart Mott, a visionary leader who hailed from a long line of farmers. Since the beginning, our company’s success has been rooted in traditional farming values and respect for the land.

The People of U.S. Sugar Announce Partnership with Sugar Sand Distillery to Distribute Sugarcane-Based Hand Sanitizer to Employees and Most Vulnerable Members of Glades Communities

Posted on by U.S. Sugar

Clewiston, FL – In the midst of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the people of U.S. Sugar are working to provide local employees and the most vulnerable members of the Glades communities with hand sanitizer produced by Sugar Sand Distillery in Lake Placid to help stop the spread of the virus. The company announced today it is providing up to 1,200 units of hand sanitizer to members of the local communities and its employees in the workplace, who are part of the nation’s “critical infrastructure” of harvesting and processing food according to recent U.S. Department of Homeland Security guidelines. The company will provide hand sanitizer to senior centers in LaBelle, Clewiston, Belle Glade and Pahokee. The hand sanitizer was made at Sugar Sand Distillery in Lake Placid, which uses sugarcane molasses to distill alcohol used in its hand sanitizer.

“In times of crisis, you can always count on the resourcefulness of farmers to help solve problems as they arise,” said Judy Sanchez, U.S. Sugar’s Senior Director for Corporate Communications and Public Affairs. “Whether its hurricanes, economic downturns, or even global pandemics, we are all in this together and are proud to serve our local communities during their time of need. We are taking care of our families, because after all, we live here too.”

“Sugarcane is a powerful plant, and recognizing the increased demand for hand sanitizer, Sugar Sand Distillery has shifted its focus away from making spirits to helping fulfill a vital need in our region,” said Don Davies, founder of Sugar Sand Distillery. “The partnership between U.S. Sugar and our distillery promotes healthy habits that can help save lives.”

“We appreciate our friends at Sugar Sand Distillery for their resiliency in turning sugarcane into a helpful use that may help product the most vulnerable against the spread of the coronavirus, Sanchez added.”

Starting this week, the people of U.S. Sugar began distributing hand sanitizer to local nursing homes and assisted living facilities in the Glades area. These facilities include the Oakbrook Health and Rehabilitation Center in LaBelle, Clewiston Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Quiet Waters Senior Living and West County Senior Center in Belle Glade, and Glades Healthcare Center in Pahokee.

The hand sanitizer produced by Sugar Sand Distillery consists of up to 70 percent alcohol, which is the equivalent of 140 proof. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines recommends using a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol in addition to avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Recently, U.S. Sugar also announced a multi-year partnership with The Glades Initiative, a Belle Glade-based community service organization that assists local residents with job placement, social services, and feeding programs. The Company is providing resources in support of The Glades Initiative’s area food services throughout the Glades region.

About U.S. Sugar

U.S. Sugar is a farming company that grows and processes sugarcane, citrus, green beans, sweet corn and other vegetables. The company was founded in 1931 by Charles Stewart Mott, a visionary leader who hailed from a long line of farmers. Since the beginning, our company’s success has been rooted in traditional farming values and respect for the land.

About Sugar Sand Distillery

Opened in April 2018, Sugar Sand Distillery is an estate-grown sugarcane farm distillery. Nestled in the middle of a 10-acre sugar cane farm, Sugar Sand Distillery is a true farm-to-bottle operation producing small-batch rum, whiskey, vodka, limoncello and moonshine. The distillery was born from a desire to incorporate the love of farming with the love of producing true handcrafted spirits.

Originally conceived in 2017, founder Don Davies began experimenting with the processes of making mash and home distilling with sugarcane. As friends and family raved and then began requesting refills, Don discovered a deepening love for the process and, of course, the finished product. As he began researching craft distilleries and the growing market for such operations, the dream of Sugar Sand Distillery was born.

Note: Pictured is Communications Director Ryan Duffy with a sample of the sugarcane-based hand sanitizer and Community Relations Manager Brannan Thomas delivering supplies to the West County Senior Center in Belle Glade.