Women from Naiyalayala, Ra, have initiated a trial program providing pre-cooked food packs for employees of FIJI Water. The Naiyalayala district comprises five villages: Drauniivi, Togovere, Rabulu, Naseyani, and Nananu.
The FIJI Water Foundation has partnered with Rise Beyond the Reef and Sera’s Gourmet to train groups of women from these villages in food preparation and cooking. The training covers essential health and hygiene practices related to food handling, as well as the proper use of cooking equipment and utensils in sanitary environments.
Spokesperson Vasiti Ritova stated that the women are committed to fulfilling the needs of the company. “We started the trial run last week. Representatives from the FIJI Water Foundation will return soon to discuss the future plans. Each food pack is priced at $7,” she explained.
Currently, the program produces approximately 30 food packs daily, specifically for the day shift workers at FIJI Water. After the preparation is completed in community kitchens, two women from various women’s organizations accompany FIJI Water Foundation officials to ensure the food packs are delivered on time.
Ritova emphasized the women’s enthusiasm to expand this initiative as the foundation develops their plans. She also mentioned that she established the Nananu Women’s Cooperative in her village to promote economic empowerment through value-added activities.