Think again.
Churches and other nonprofit organizations are helping to improve Haiti’s economy by purchasing a Haitian-grown pepper sauce called Haiti Is Hot! The Haitian-American-owned company Bel Soley sells the sauce to churches and organizations that commit to using some of the resale profits to aid Haitian families in need.
The “flavorful” approach to economic development is having the greatest impact among Haitian farmers who grow the peppers.
“Rural Haitian families have the opportunity to participate in an export market, and American groups can support that indigenous effort,” says Jean-Patrick Lucien, co-founder of Bel Soley.
The company promises the sauce will add a unique flavor to fish, meat, vegetable dishes and more, while also improving the lives of struggling Haitians.
“The future of Haiti depends upon creating economic progress that generates returns for both local Haitian businesses and local poor families,” says Knox Singleton, president of the nonprofit Community Coalition for Haiti.
“Standards of living for all Haitians truly will be built one pepper at a time.”