The women of Naiyalayala in Ra have initiated a trial program to provide pre-cooked food packs for FIJI Water employees. The Naiyalayala district is composed of 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 women from these villages in various skills, including food preparation, health and safety protocols, and proper usage of cooking equipment and utensils. They are also taught how to maintain hygienic workspaces.
Vasiti Ritova, a spokesperson for Naiyalayala, indicated that the women are ready to meet the company’s needs. “We began last week with a trial run, and FIJI Water Foundation officials will return to discuss plans for the next steps. Each food pack costs $7,” she explained.
Currently, they prepare around 30 food packs daily for the day shift employees at FIJI Water. After cooking in the community hall kitchens, two women from the local women’s organizations accompany the FIJI Water Foundation officials to ensure the food packs are delivered on time.
Ritova, a resident of Nananu Village, has also established the Nananu Women’s Cooperative, aimed at enhancing economic empowerment through value-added activities.