The Tribune

AML Foods yesterday said it has donated more than $275,000 to support both Hurricane Dorian relief efforts and its 275 impacted employees in Grand Bahama.

The BISX-listed food retail and franchise group said some $200,000 had been allocated to support its staff, with a further $25,000 donated to both The Bahamas Red Cross and National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). And, through partnerships with international vendors, more than $30,000 in product donations have been received.

Through the Red Cross, AML Foods has distributed three containers of ice and two containers of water in Grand Bahama. Another container with baby furniture, diapers, snacks, drinks and other food items is expected to sail in the coming days, along with three containers of fresh produce.

A produce container will each be sent to Grand Bahama, Abaco and New Providence to assist with the evacuees being housed in shelters. More help is expected over the next few weeks as products are being delivered almost daily to AML Foods' freight forwarder in Florida.

"Our thoughts and prayers remain with the persons impacted by Hurricane Dorian", said Gavin Watchorn, AML Foods president and chief executive. "We want to give support and help however we can.

"Many of our international vendors have committed to sending supplies and products, and as quickly as items are received in our warehouse in the US we will ship them out so that those persons affected can get the relief they need."

The food retail and franchise group has also been working to restock and get fresh product and general merchandise into Grand Bahama. "Containers of fresh produce, bread and other perishable items have already begun arriving. We recognise that we have a responsibility to meet the needs of Grand Bahamians", Mr Watchorn said.

The company, through its Domino's brand, has also given support by donating more than 200 pizzas to victims and first responders in both Abaco and Grand Bahama. Both Domino's Freeport and the Deli in Solomon's Lucaya is providing the 275 AML Foods employees in Grand Bahama with daily hot meals.

The company has also made it possible for customers to make donations at the registers in their Solomon's, Solomon's Fresh Market and Cost Right stores in Nassau, as well as online at www.dominos242.com. For updates on donations and distribution you can visit the company's website at www.amlfoods.com.