Access to Nutrition and Healthy food for the RMG workers and dependents

The Annapurna Project, funded by the Auchan Foundation, is an innovative initiative to improve the health and nutrition system for garment workers in Bangladesh. Although Bangladesh’s textile and apparel sectors have historically been a significant source of revenue, many RMG employees are at risk of mistreatment and undesirable working conditions. This project aims to address this issue by providing the workers knowledge, skills, resources, technology, and collective voice they need to successfully transition or begin a transition. To ensure optimal nutrition, diet, sanitation, and hygiene education, a strong collaboration will be formed with employers. Through adequate dining options, career development, and training in employable skills, it also attempts to improve the life outcomes of underprivileged and vulnerable RMG workers. 

Mati Industries, Romo Fashion Today Ltd, TeenAge Modern Fashion Ltd, and ACE have teamed up to improve the lives of RMG (Ready Made Garments) employees. The Access to Nutrition and Healthy Food for RMG Workers and Dependents (Annapurna) Project of ACE aims to enhance the health, happiness, and nutritional status of garment workers and their family members with the kind assistance of the Auchan Foundation, France. MATI Industries Limited will open and run fair price model stores in two garment factories as part of the initiative. 

The Annapurna project is expected succeed due to the hard work and dedication of two local fashion organizations, Romo Fashion Today Limited at Mouchak, Gazipur district, and Teen Age Modern Fashion Limited To promote better nutrition and a healthy lifestyle for its employees, Romo Fashion Today Ltd has launched the Protein Nest Fair Price Shop, on 10th October, 2022, an initiative funded by the Ocean Foundation in France and implemented by the Association for Community Empowerment (ACE). This initiative provides more than 2000 garment workers of Romo Fashion Today Limited with access to nutritious and healthy food and daily commodities at discounted prices, helping to improve the quality of life of garment workers and their families. Another Fair Price Shop will be launched at TeenAge Modern Fashion Limited, Hemayetpur, Savar. Additionally, the project will generate income from the sale of healthy foods, which will serve as the driving force for sustaining the operation and management of the Community Kitchen. A portion of the profits from the fair price shops and Community Kitchen will go towards raising awareness of health and nutrition among the beneficiaries.