PHNOM PENH: The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), in partnership with the Royal Government of Cambodia and with financial support from the Government of Japan, today launched a new initiative to improve nutrition among garment factory workers by expanding access to fortified rice.
With a contribution of USD1.5 million from the Government of Japan, the initiative is expected to reach more than 50,000 factory workers, employed in the garment and textile sectors, across 118 factories located in the Royal Group Phnom Penh Special Economic Zone and Royal Group Kandal Special Economic Zones over five years.
The project, titled “Breaking the Cycle of Malnutrition in Cambodia: Fortifying the Food Plate of Garment Factory Workers,” was officially launched at the Phnom Penh Special Economic Zone and aims to address micronutrient deficiencies and improve workers’ health and productivity.
“Japan is proud to support Cambodia in addressing malnutrition through practical and scalable solutions. By improving access to nutritious food for garment workers, this initiative contributes not only to better health outcomes but also to stronger communities and a more resilient economy,” said MATSUDA Junsaku, Counsellor, Embassy of Japan in Cambodia, reaffirming Japan’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable development.
Cambodia’s garment sector is a major driver of economic growth, employing hundreds of thousands of workers. However, many, particularly women, face high rates of malnutrition, including anaemia and other micronutrient deficiencies. Poor nutrition not only affects individual health and well-being but also affects productivity, income, and national development.
Through this initiative, WFP and partners will introduce fortified rice into factory meal programmes, ensuring workers receive essential vitamins and minerals through their daily diets. As rice is Cambodia’s primary staple food, fortification provides a practical andcost-effective way to improve nutrition without requiring changes to established eating habits.
The project will work closely with factory owners, food suppliers, and national stakeholders to:
- integrate fortified rice into workplace meal programme systems
- Strengthen supply chains and quality assurance for fortified foods
- Build capacity among producers and millers
- Raise awareness among workers on the benefits of improved nutrition.
“This project represents a crucial step toward improving the nutrition and well-being of Cambodia’s garment workers,” said Kyung-nan Park, WFP Representative and Country Director in Cambodia. “By integrating fortified rice into daily meals, we are helping workers access the nutrients they need to stay healthy, support their families, and contribute to Cambodia’s continued economic growth.”
H.E. Pan Buntheoun, Secretary of State, Ministry of Planning (MoP), highlighted the government’s support for the initiative: “This project exemplifies our commitment to the well-being of Cambodia’s workforce. By addressing malnutrition among garment workers, we are investing in the health, productivity, and future prosperity of our people, which is essential for sustainable national development.”
WFP will work with partners including the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Health Organization (WHO), and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), alongside government institutions and private sector stakeholders, to ensure coordinated and sustainable implementation.
This initiative is expected to serve as a model for scaling up food fortification across Cambodia’s food systems, advancing the country’s broader goals to reduce malnutrition and promote inclusive economic growth.
Photo by: Supplied
