This week, the USANA Foundation embarks on a transformative journey to Malapascua Island, Philippines. Over 25 dedicated Associates and a dozen support staff from seven different countries will converge on this remote island to make a profound impact.
Our mission? To install over 65 Garden Towers, to provide sustainable nutrition and support to dozens of families on the island.
Discovering Malapascua Island
Malapascua Island, nestled in the Visayan Sea off the coast of Cebu, spans a mere 2.5 square kilometers. Despite its small size, the island faces significant challenges, relying heavily on tourism and fishing for its economic sustenance.
Yet, amidst the breathtaking beauty of its shores lies a community in need.
Our journey to Malapascua began with Camille Anne Ang, a passionate advocate and USANA Foundation Ambassador. Camille first visited Malapascua Island during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when she became interested in SCUBA diving.
Malapascua Island is known for its incredible diving opportunities, but the locals live in harsh circumstances despite the robust tourism.
“Due to limited income and expensive vegetables as they have to transport everything from the mainland, the locals seldom eat nutritious food,” Camille told us. “I found the USANA Foundation’s Garden Tower project as a solution to this.”
When she became involved with the community after repeated trips, it wasn’t long before she recognized the pressing needs of the island’s hardworking families.
Inspired to make a difference, Camille collaborated with local leaders and the USANA Foundation to devise a plan to address hunger through the installation of Garden Towers.
“We started to build five Towers in March 2023,” Camille said. “And a year later, after collaborating with the local community, the barangay officials, and the USANA Foundation, we are set to build 250 Towers on the island this year.”
Preparing for Impact
Our team has coordinated a monumental effort to prepare for the service trip in close partnership with Camille, island leaders, and dedicated partners in the Philippines.
Tons of soil, seeds, plants, and watering tools have been transported to the island, thanks to the support of local families and businesses on Malapascua.
Planting Seeds of Change
Once on the island, we will roll up our sleeves and get to work, planting Garden Towers that will serve as a sustainable source of fresh fruits and vegetables for the community.
Each Tower will yield about 1,300 additional servings of produce annually, helping to supplement the islanders’ diets and improve overall nutrition.
“If we can modify a garden and make it accessible for everyone to grow even in the remote island, then we can build Towers in every corner of the world,” Camille said. “All it takes are hands that work together to make it happen.”
Join Us in Making a Difference
This initiative aligns with the USANA Foundation’s broader goal of combating malnutrition worldwide through innovative solutions like the Garden Tower program.
By empowering communities to grow their own food sustainably, we are not only addressing immediate hunger but also fostering long-term resilience and self-sufficiency.
You can be a part of this impactful work! Whether through joining a service trip, creating a fundraiser, making a donation, or supporting the Foundation at events, there are countless ways to get involved. Together, we can create a healthier, more nourished world for all.
Join us in our mission to empower communities and transform lives—one Garden Tower at a time.
