Munnade Social Organisation recently convened a consultation on the findings of its study, ‘Diet Diversity and Possible Nutrition Status among Garment Factory Workers’. The discussion brought together health experts, worker representatives, and civil society members to understand how nutritional deprivation affects women garment workers and what can be done to address it.
The study was based on responses from 274 garment workers across Karnataka. While most reported consuming dairy (88%), vegetables (72%), and cereals (70%), the intake of green leafy vegetables (36%), fruits (49%), legumes (45%), and animal-source foods (27%) remained very low. The average dietary diversity score was just 4.7 out of 10, indicating significant gaps in essential nutrients such as iron, folate, vitamin A, vitamin B12, and protein.
To respond to these findings, Munnade, together with the Union of Garment Workers (UGW), initiated the Midday Meal Campaign — a collective effort to ensure at least one nutritious, balanced meal a day for garment workers. Experts such as Dr. Swati, Dr. Gopal Dabade, and Bharath Nataraj, who works closely with migrant and informal sector communities, shared perspectives on how affordable, factory-based meal schemes could improve workers’ health, energy, and productivity.
As an important next step, these discussions will feed into the upcoming Garment Workers’ ‘Mahasangama’ — a large gathering of women garment workers from across Bengaluru, to be held at Kondaji Basappa Bhavana on 1st November 2025. The ‘Mahasangama’ will provide a space for workers to voice their concerns, share lived experiences, and collectively demand systemic change.
During the event, a request letter will be presented to the government representative, urging the introduction of Midday Meal Schemes in garment factories and stronger attention to women workers’ nutrition and wellbeing.
At Munnade, we believe that nutrition is a fundamental workplace right — and that every woman worker deserves the strength, dignity, and support to thrive.
