AML Foods Limited launches its 7th annual “Feed 5000” Holiday Feeding Program.

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AML Foods demonstrated its commitment to sparking change in the community and donated $6,000 to families in need in New Providence, Grand Bahama, and Exuma.

Today, AML Foods Limited launched its 7th annual “Feed 5000” Holiday Feeding Program with an initial injection of $5,000. The company is once again seeking to provide holiday meals to thousands of Bahamian families in need for Christmas.

From November 14th to December 19th, 2022, they are inviting their team members, corporate Bahamas, and customers to support the program by purchasing or donating towards the purchase of Christmas Dinner Packages valued at $50 at any Fresh Market, Solomon’s, or Cost Right location in New Providence or Grand Bahama, and Exuma Markets in Georgetown, Exuma. This year given inflation, they have increased the amount of each food package by ten dollars.

The company has partnered with the Bahamas Feeding Network and The Salvation Army, The Grand Bahama branch of the Red Cross, and the One Exuma Foundation, four of the leading /feeding programs in the country, to facilitate the distribution of all proceeds raised “AML Foods remains steadfast in our commitment to helping those in need, particularly in the area of hunger relief,” says Renea Bastian, VP of Marketing & Communications. We understand what this program has come to represent for many families and the positive impact it has in the community.

Gavin Watchorn, CEO & President, noted, “Since starting the program in 2016, AML, through our donations as well as support from our customers and corporate Bahamas, have successfully raised and distributed more than half a million dollars in food vouchers. This equates to more than 12,500 Christmas Meals, feeding more than 50,000 Bahamians.

Organizations, civic groups, or private citizens wanting to support the Feed 5000 program and help to make the holidays a little brighter for Bahamian families in need, can purchase packages, or donate toward a package, at the registers in any Fresh Market, Solomon’s, or Cost Right location in New Providence or Grand Bahama, and Exuma Markets in Georgetown, Exuma. AML also announced that it will soon make public a new initiative aimed at helping to address the issue of food insecurity.

 

AML Foods Donates $6,000 to Families in New Providence, Grand Bahama, and Exuma

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AML Foods demonstrated its commitment to sparking change in the community and donated $6,000 to families in need in New Providence, Grand Bahama, and Exuma.

Through their brands, Solomon’s, Cost Right, Solomon’s Fresh Market, and Exuma Markets, twenty (20) families received $300 each to purchase much-needed food items.

The recipients were single mothers identified by the Department of Social Services on each island facing difficult times. Melissa Major, Senior Marketing Manager, was on hand to meet with the families and make the donations. In light of the challenging economic times and to support Social Services in their efforts to help struggling families, Mrs. Major said the assistance was particularly important.

AML Foods Limited celebrates Exuma Market’s Anniversary & Official Grand Opening

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Today Exuma Markets celebrated its first year Anniversary and official Grand Opening. The Honourable John H. Pinder, Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, and Member of Parliament for Central & South Abaco was in attendance to cut the ribbon and mark the special occasion. AML purchased the Georgetown store in May of last year and has continued to build on the strong foundation established by the Minns family, the original owners who operated the store for more than 3 decades.

Over the past twelve months, there have been a number of significant changes at the location that have had a positive impact. AML Foods invested $300k to remodel the store, putting in a new point of sales system, registers, and front end, installing new flooring and lights, upgrading the air conditioning, and increasing the capacity of the warehouse to accommodate greater storage. The store operates under the Solomon’s neighborhood format but one change that was not made was to the name. “Exuma Markets has been iconic to this community for decades and we wanted to
retain the tradition of the location’s name and the direct link to the island”, said Gavin Watchorn, CEO & President of AML Foods. “Later in the year, we will begin to replace the dairy cooler and install 24ft of new refrigerated doors, increasing the capacity and variety in the dairy department.

In all, we expect to invest close to $500k in renovations”. Since taking over operations, Exuma Markets has increased arrivals of fresh produce and dairy products to the island and added over 2,000 new items to their assortment. Customers can also order from Fresh Market and Cost Right in New Providence and have items delivered for pick up or delivery. Even more exciting was the launch of the loyalty program on the island. Customers in Exuma can sign up for My Solomon’s Smart Rewards and earn and redeem points when shopping at Exuma Markets as well as any Solomon’s or Solomon’s Fresh Market location in New Providence or Grand Bahama. Mr. Watchorn further said that AML Foods is committed to the island of Exuma and believes in making a positive impact on the communities that they serve. During their first year, AML donated approximately $25k to local groups and charities, and to commemorate this occasion, hosted a Domino’s Pizza Party for the kids at the Georgetown Primary School and The School for Exceptional Learning.

Mr. Watchorn thanked the community for their support, feedback, and suggestions and announced the launch of Ecommerce from the store later in the year. “We look forward to continuing to grow in The Exumas, introducing new services for the island and working with key stakeholders to ensure that we become and remain a true corporate partner”.

During the ceremony, Mr. Dino Duncombe, a longtime resident of Exuma, with a wealth of experience in grocery retail, was announced as the new Store Manager. Mr. Watchorn said, “it’s the Company’s intent to ensure that the local team is well trained and ready to assume any role with increased responsibilities”. The entire Exuma community is invited to visit the store this weekend for the celebrations. There will be special prices on items, sampling, and give–a–ways from Thursday to Sunday.