Women from Naiyalayala, Ra, have recently embarked on a trial initiative to provide pre-cooked food packs for employees of FIJI Water. The Naiyalayala district includes five villages: Drauniivi, Togovere, Rabulu, Naseyani, and Nananu.
The FIJI Water Foundation is collaborating with Rise Beyond the Reef and Sera’s Gourmet to train groups of women in various aspects of food preparation and cooking. This training includes lessons on hygiene, basic health procedures, and the proper use of cooking equipment and areas in each of the five villages.
Vasiti Ritova, a spokesperson for Naiyalayala, stated that the women are committed to meeting the company’s requirements. “We started last week. We are currently on a trial run, and officers from the FIJI Water Foundation will return to discuss a future plan. The food packs are priced at $7 each,” she remarked.
The initiative aims to prepare at least 30 food packs daily specifically for the day shift crew at FIJI Water. After preparing the packs in community hall kitchens, two women, appointed by the respective women’s organizations, will accompany FIJI Water Foundation officials to ensure timely delivery.
Ritova, who is from Nananu Village, has also initiated the Nananu Women’s Cooperative, aimed at creating value-added activities for economic empowerment among women in her village.