Grace Foods ramps up support for farm relief, recovery post-Melissa

In support of Jamaica’s agricultural recovery following Hurricane Melissa, Grace Foods has partnered with the BREDS Treasure Beach Foundation to mobilise direct support for farmers through its Grace Jerk Airport Pop-Up.

Travellers passing through Sangster International Airport on January 3 and Norman Manley International Airport on January 9 were invited to experience a taste of Jamaica while making a donation to national hurricane recovery efforts.

The pop-ups formed part of Grace Foods’ ongoing “Bring Jamaica Home” initiative, which encourages travellers to reconnect with Jamaica through its food, culture, and people. Led by Grace chefs, the experience featured dishes prepared using Grace Jamaican Honey Jerk Seasoning and other Grace products, offering a memorable farewell rooted in authenticity and national pride.

Following the widespread damage caused by Hurricane Melissa, Grace Foods partnered with the BREDS Treasure Beach Foundation to incorporate QR code-enabled direct donations into the ongoing pop-up experience. Recognising that authentic Jamaican Jerk relies on locally grown ingredients, and the farmers who produce them, Grace Foods will direct funds raised to support agricultural recovery programmes in St Elizabeth and surrounding communities. These programmes focus on providing farmers with seeds, irrigation support, and other critical inputs needed to replant, rebuild, and restore livelihoods.

STILL REBUILDING AFTER MELISSA

“Hurricane Melissa left parts of our island devastated, and months later, many farming communities are still rebuilding,” said Sabrina Watson, global category manager – seasonings, sauces and spices at Grace Foods.

“Through Grace Jamaican Jerk, we wanted to create an experience that celebrates the richness of Jamaican flavour while giving travellers a tangible way to support the farmers who make those flavours possible.”

Grace Foods maintains close ties to farming communities in St Elizabeth, including those near its processing facility in Hounslow, sourcing key ingredients such as peppers, thyme, scallion, and onions used in its Jerk products. According to Watson, the partnership with BREDS was a natural extension of these long-standing relationships.

“Our partnership with BREDS was a natural fit,” Watson added.

“They are deeply embedded in the communities we source from and are doing meaningful work on the ground - helping farmers not just to recover, but to recover faster. This collaboration reflects Grace Foods’ long-standing commitment to supporting Jamaican agriculture year-round, not only in times of crisis.”

For many travellers, the initiative offered a meaningful way to contribute during their journey. One Jamaican traveller, Richard Ho-sing, who made a donation on-site, shared his perspective after experiencing the pop-up.

“Grace is a brand we grew up with; it’s in almost every Jamaican household,” he said.

“Seeing them partner with a local foundation like BREDS to give back to farmers is a good look, not just for Grace, but for Jamaica. Farmers are the backbone of the food we love, and this kind of support really matters.”

The Grace Jerk Airport Pop-Up forms part of Grace Foods’ broader hurricane response and its long-standing ‘We Care’ ethos, which centres on community development, resilience building, and sustained support for local producers across the island.