Written by Todd Feldman, Communications Manager | Sustainability and CSR Lead
The Guest Supply team recently embarked on an exciting journey to explore the lush landscapes of Honduras. There, they toured local farms dedicated to cultivating the handcrafted coffee that the company’s strategic partner, Safai Coffee, proudly features. This experience allowed the team to witness firsthand the comprehensive process of coffee production, from the vibrant coffee plants nestled throughout the region to the hardworking farmers who bring the rich flavors to life. The tour deepened their appreciation for the craftsmanship involved in creating each cup of Safai Coffee.
The farms are associated with Café Orgánico Marcala Sociedad Anónima (COMSA), an organization of renowned thought leaders in Central American cooperatives and organic coffee production. COMSA not only provides invaluable support to its members but also implements a variety of innovative projects. These initiatives focus on teaching sustainable organic farming practices, creating affordable organic inputs, and fostering community development through impactful social programs. Through their dedicated efforts, COMSA is helping to transform the agricultural landscape while uplifting local communities and promoting environmental stewardship.
In 2013, Mike Safai, founder and Master Roaster of Safai Coffee, witnessed the devastating impact of the coffee rust fungus on farms in Marcala, Honduras. This disease forced many farmers to abandon their generational farms, threatening their livelihoods and community stability. To help combat this issue, Mike and his wife, Medora, established the SAFAI Foundation to support farm conservation and enable farmers to remain on their land. The foundation has successfully assisted in replanting efforts for approximately 30 family farms and has encouraged local governments and other coffee companies to start their own initiatives. Additionally, the SAFAI Foundation contributes to improvements in rural education, medical supplies, and economic growth opportunities.
Laura Mahoney, Guest Supply Content Manager, shared her thoughts on the experience:
“Learning about the origins of the coffee we source through Safai and the positive impact they have on the coffee farming community in Honduras made me proud to partner with a company like Safai. It was a unique and eye-opening experience to see how much effort goes into producing a single cup of coffee. As one of the farmers mentioned, ‘For every cup of coffee, a hundred people are dancing around the cup.’ We witnessed the care and dedication the farmers invest in every cup, and they apply the same level of energy to their partnership with the SAFAI Foundation to support and nurture their community.”
To support the Safai Foundation, Guest Supply donates a portion of the proceeds from selling select brand products. This ongoing initiative has significantly impacted the Marcala community by providing essential hospital supplies that address critical health needs. Among the donated items are medical beds, specialized jaundice lights, birthing chairs, wheelchairs, antibiotic medications, and various consumable medical supplies, all crucial in enhancing healthcare delivery. During this visit, Guest Supply colleagues joined Mike Safai in presenting the local clinic and Mayor of Marcala with keys to a KGM Musso emergency vehicle. Equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment, the vehicle will allow for the swift stabilization of patients and their safe transportation to the local hospital from some of the hardest-to-reach locations in the region.
Furthermore, a portion of the donation has been designated for developing a new school cafeteria that will serve nourishing meals to students who often face food insecurity. The students and the wider local community vividly expressed their gratitude as they welcomed the visitors, showcasing their talents through engaging performances and heartfelt gestures of appreciation.
Mike Larkin, Product Marketing Manager at Guest Supply, stated, “Ultimately, the best feeling I had in the end was knowing that Guest Supply has made a tremendous impact on the regrowth of this community through contributions from Safai sales over the past seven years. It gives me a real sense of pride in Guest Supply and what we do, knowing we are making a difference in the community and industry. Our mission goes beyond simply supplying products to hoteliers and large corporate brands. By partnering with Mike and his unique foundation, Guest Supply demonstrates that our industry can achieve more globally to help those in need.”
