Women from the Naiyalayala district in Ra have initiated a trial program to provide pre-cooked food packs for employees of FIJI Water. The 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 women from these villages in food preparation, cooking techniques, and basic health protocols related to food safety. Participants are learning about the proper use of cooking equipment and maintaining hygienic environments in their kitchens.
Vasiti Ritova, a spokesperson for Naiyalayala, mentioned that the women are committed to meeting the company’s requirements. “We started last week and are currently in a trial phase. FIJI Water Foundation officials will return to discuss the next steps. Each food pack is priced at $7,” she stated.
On a daily basis, they prepare around 30 packs specifically for the day shift workers at FIJI Water. After the food is prepared in community hall kitchens, two women designated by various women’s organizations accompany FIJI Water Foundation representatives to ensure timely delivery of the packs.
“The women are ready to continue this initiative as the foundation lays out further plans for us,” she added.
Ms. Ritova, who hails from Nananu Village, has also established the Nananu Women’s Cooperative, aiming to create value-added activities that enhance the economic empowerment of local women.