Dietary Diversity in Cambodian Garment Workers: The Role of Free Lunch Provision

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to compare food consumption by Cambodian garment workers with and without access to a free model lunch provision through a factory-based canteen. Data from an exploratory randomised controlled trial were analysed. In total, 223 female Cambodian garment workers were allocated to an intervention arm (six-month lunch provision) or a control arm. Dietary intake on workdays was assessed by qualitative 24-h recalls at baseline and twice at follow-ups during the period of lunch provision using the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) guideline on assessing women’s dietary diversity. In total, 158 participants provided complete data on the dietary intake over workdays at all interviews. Lunch provision resulted in a more frequent consumption of dark green leafy vegetables (DGLV), vitamin A-rich fruits, other fruits, and oils and fats during lunch breaks. In contrast, flesh meats, legumes, nuts and seeds, as well as sweets, were eaten at a lower frequency. Except for a higher consumption rate of vitamin A-rich fruits and a lower intake frequency of sweets, lunch provision had a less clear impact on total 24-h intake from different food groups and was not associated with a higher women’s dietary diversity score (WDDS). A more gap-oriented design of the lunch sets taking into account underutilised foods and the nutritional status of the workers is recommended.

Impact of lunch provision on anthropometry, hemoglobin, and micronutrient status of female Cambodian garment workers: exploratory randomized controlled trial

“…of calories, one prerequisite to expect effects on anthropometry) through lunch provision might be restricted. Although skipping of breakfasts somewhat increased in intervention subjects, no significant differences in skipping breakfasts between groups were observed [19]. Yet, skipping of meals in workers with access to a staff canteen should be closely monitored.…”

“…The study collected qualitative data on the dietary intake through 24 h-recalls among all participants at several interviews during the intervention [19]. Results indicate that some participants tended to skip breakfasts, but hardly ever skipped lunch meals.…”

“…The current essay reports on the main outcomes of the LUPROGAR study (Lunch Provision in Garment Factories), a factory-based exploratory randomized controlled trial, whose objective is to determine the effect of a lowprice model lunch provision via a canteen during workdays on anthropometry, as well as on the hemoglobin (Hb) and micronutrient status of female garment workers in Cambodia. Prior to this paper, the authors provided detailed information on the participants' nutritional and health status at baseline [4], the low-price model lunch provision approach within this trial [18], and on the food consumption of study participants with and without access to the model lunch provision [19].…”

Exploring food security and nutrition among young women in the formally regulated garment sector of Myanmar

“…On provision of foods in the factories, randomized controlled trial findings 22 in Cambodia showed that although a free lunch resulted in more frequent consumption of dark green vegetables, vitamin A-rich fruits and other fruits, and oil and fat during lunch, it did not improve the dietary diversity sufficiently over a 24-h period. Recommendations were made to more closely adapt lunch to the nutritional situation of women and to monitor women skipping meals.…”

“…In a previous research in Cambodia, a canteen offering low-price lunches ($1.00 USD) demonstrated potential to improve the food security of RMG workers. 22,23 The study assessed the nutritive value of a low-price lunch model and showed that the lunches satisfied energy and macronutrient recommendations but did not have enough iron. If meals are provided, attention to the quality and diversity of food is important to make health and productivity improvements.…”