SAN DIEGO & MAJURO, Marshall Islands—South Pacific Tuna Corporation along with affiliate and investor in the Global Fleets, AFT Holdings, Inc., this week presented the newly established RMI Community Food Bank in Majuro, Marshall Islands with a US$10,000 donation to support its acquisition of an operations facility and storefront. Securing the site is the final step needed in establishing a food bank to support the women and children in of the Majuro community.  

U.S. fishing boat Captain Mike Baker, who is employed by the Global Companies, which is managed by South Pacific Tuna Corp., founded the volunteer-based RMI Community Food Bank to support the people he’s come to commune with for seven years. During his time in the Marshall Islands he realized families – mostly women and children – are without food several days each month. The food bank will bridge the need providing canned and freezer-packed tuna, dry goods, and eventually household items and clothes. 

“I’m thankful for the timeliness of South Pacific Tuna’s Corporation and AFT Holdings’ contribution,” said Baker. “I believe this donation will help us build credibility within the business community and among local government officials. I am confident additional support will follow.”

A longtime champion of the Majuro community, South Pacific Tuna Corporation CEO, Max Chou and J. Douglas Hines Executive Director of SOPAC and CEO of AFT Holdings, Inc. knew they wanted to support Baker’s campaign the moment they were aware of the food bank’s founding.

“It’s a no-brainer,” said Hines. “We’re invested in the Marshall Islands – in the people, the communities, the children and all the Pacific Island Nations.  Supporting the food bank is the important side of our business; without these communities, we wouldn’t have as much success in our daily operations.”

According to Baker, once the Majuro leaders approve the site location, the food bank can be up and running within two weeks. He has obtained a 100-lb pressure cooker and canner to process the donated fish from the vessels. There is also a filleting table, a vacuum packer, and a chest freezer for preserving donated tuna. Community bins are already in key locations around town for dry-good and household donations. Since it is volunteer based, the facility will be open three days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“As we know in the States, nutrition is the one of society’s most basic and critical needs. Children who are hungry can’t learn,” said Baker. “Majuro children are hungry and we can absolutely change that with the support of business like South Pacific Tuna Corporation and AFT Holdings.”

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About South Pacific Tuna Corporation 

South Pacific Tuna Corporation is a United States-based tuna vessel management company headquartered in San Diego, California. Its 14 U.S. flag tuna vessels fish in the Western Pacific under the rules and regulations outlined by the South Pacific Tuna Treaty. Learn more about the company’s commitment to safety and environmental sustainability at www.sopactuna.com.

About AFT Holdings, Inc.

AFT Holdings, Inc. is an international investment and management group with a diverse portfolio including sustainable foods development, global fishing fleets and technology. Learn more: www.aftholdings.com.