PriceSmart’s Corporate Volunteering Program formalizes employees’ long-standing commitment to community service. In FY2024, employees contributed over 5,500 volunteer hours across multiple initiatives, and more than 7,800 hours when combined with foundation programs. Employee testimonials highlight volunteering as a meaningful way to support communities, build empathy, and foster personal growth across the regions where PriceSmart operates.
“I believe the PriceSmart volunteer program is an opportunity to learn about new realities while focusing on different problems and vulnerable populations, with the intention of not only contributing, but also promoting empathy and recognition of these situations that we see on a daily basis.”
Andres Tilagui, Documentation Specialist, Colombia
“For me, volunteering is a rewarding experience. It gives me the opportunity to see things from another perspective and understand the realities of people who face difficult situations. Until you get involved, you are not aware of the challenges they go through. It is truly satisfying to be able to give something positive back, share a smile, and give them a little love.”
Martha Angelica Maradiaga, Cashier, Honduras
PriceSmart’s Food Rescue & Giving Program reduces food waste and fights hunger by donating nutritious perishable items to local food banks and NGOs. Since FY2022, the program has expanded across the Caribbean and Latin America, reaching eleven markets. By redirecting food from landfills to communities in need, the initiative supports food security, environmental sustainability, and local partnerships.
The program supports local food banks and NGOs in their efforts to fight food insecurity and malnutrition.
Donations were driven mainly by Member contributions, with additional support from local vendors.
The campaign expanded across Latin America and the Caribbean, demonstrating the power of collective action to create meaningful community impact.
The PriceSmart Foundation serves as PriceSmart Inc.’s strategic philanthropic partner, creating economic opportunities by working with local partner organizations that reach underserved communities in the markets where PriceSmart operates.
The Foundation supports secondary and technical educational programs that help students develop the skills and confidence needed to pursue further studies or enter the workforce, while also strengthening small and medium enterprises—primarily those led by women—to expand access to sustainable livelihoods.
Through close collaboration with PriceSmart teams, the Foundation enhances the impact of its programs and promotes employee engagement as part of a broader commitment to inclusive community growth.
In FY2024, PriceSmart Foundation awarded a grant to CFP to upgrade facilities, equipment, and curricula across technology, mechanics, and industrial electricity programs.
The support also strengthened the computer lab and expanded resources for students pursuing tech careers.
Additionally, CFP is launching a new solar panel installation and maintenance program to meet the region’s growing demand for renewable energy skills.
2024 marked 18 years since Aprender y Crecer began supporting public education in Latin America. Funded by donations from PriceSmart Members and matching contributions from Price Philanthropies, Aprender y Crecer has raised more than $25 million and has donated more than 1.3 million school supply packages and more than 2.7 million books to students, along with more than 300,000 books to school libraries.
Each fall, PriceSmart clubs in the countries where Aprender y Crecer operates host an annual “Juntos Por La Educación” (Together for Education) fundraising campaign that serves as an important source of funding for the Aprender y Crecer program.
We are very pleased to report that the 2023 campaign set a new record of more than $2.2 million in donations collected from PriceSmart members – 100% of which goes toward the supplies and materials given to the students, teachers and schools that participate in the program.