NIFAM supports forecasting and improving factory workers’ access to safe vegetables in Hanoi, Vietnam NIFAM supports forecasting and improving factory workers’ access to safe vegetables in Hanoi, Vietnam

The NIFAM project has reached an exciting milestone. On July 16, Bac Hong Cooperative and Garment 10 Joint Stock Company (Garco 10) met with the Fruit and Vegetable Research Institute (FAVRI) to make final steps for cooperation on setting up vegetable stands at Garco 10, aiming to help garment workers access safe vegetables. These stands are expected to improve dietary options for low- and mid-income consumers. The NIFAM project is coordinated by the University of Bonn.

Low- and mid-income workers in Hanoi rely on traditional markets for affordable vegetables, but these markets lack formal food safety and quality controls, posing health risks. Safe vegetables from supermarkets or certified farms are often financially inaccessible to workers. Large factories employing these workers are interested in providing access to safe vegetables to improve worker health and satisfaction, but face uncertainties in estimating costs, benefits and risks in making such decisions. The NIFAM project helps factories narrow knowledge gaps and identify effective interventions to improve dietary options for low- and mid-income workers.

Our model results suggest that companies should support vegetable cooperatives in setting up safe vegetable stands on company premises. This meeting aims to facilitate discussions between Bac Hong Cooperative and Garco 10 to ensure the smooth implementation of this intervention. During the meeting, both parties expressed appreciation for the cooperation opportunities. Bac Hong Cooperative values the chance to expand their business, while Garco 10 sees the potential to improve worker health. Participants of the meeting included representatives from Garco 10, Bac Hong Cooperative, FAVRI staff, and the University of Bonn team.