Safe Food Storage for Tea Farm Workers

At Kusum International, a tea farm in Kolkata, India, workers recognized that safe food storage is vital for their families' health. During discussions guided by the Fair Trade Committee, the community spoke up about their daily challenges. They highlighted a clear need for durable, easy-to-clean containers to protect essential staples like rice, wheat, and cooking oil. Listening to these worker-driven priorities, the Fair Trade Committee took decisive action. In 2025, they allocated $10,100 USD of Community Development Funds to supply high-quality stainless steel container sets. To guarantee the items would last and keep food safe, the committee ran strict quality checks. They identified 410 workers as beneficiaries, organizing the distribution so every household received a complete set. The committee also hosted training sessions to help families properly use and care for their new storage systems. Today, these workers store their food in much cleaner and safer conditions. The sturdy stainless steel containers actively reduce contamination risks and support healthier daily habits. Because the sets are so easy to wash, they give families a practical, long-term way to keep their food fresh. We see the true success of this project in its roots. By funding a practical solution identified directly by the workers, the community achieved a meaningful improvement in their everyday health and well-being.