The Food Parcel Program

The Food Parcel Program was launched in 2023 by Enatta Foundation to combat food insecurity among artisanal fisherwomen and their families in Lagos' coastal communities. These women, despite being the backbone of the local seafood industry, often struggle to put food on their own tables due to market fluctuations, seasonal fishing challenges, and economic instability. Recognizing this gap, Enatta designed the program to provide direct food assistance, ensuring that no fisherwoman had to choose between selling her catch and feeding her family.

Through this initiative, over 300 women received essential food packs, which included staple food items like rice, beans, garri, vegetable oil, dried fish, and other nutritious supplies. The distribution was strategically carried out across multiple coastal communities, prioritizing widows, elderly fisherwomen, and households with young children.

Impact & Achievements

Immediate Relief from Food Insecurity – The food packs provided nutritional support to struggling households, ensuring that fisherwomen could focus on their trade without the constant worry of how to feed their families.

Strengthening Community Support Systems – The program created a sense of solidarity among the beneficiaries, encouraging them to support one another beyond food assistance.

Integration with Other Empowerment Programs – Women who received food parcels were also introduced to Enatta’s cooperative programs, financial literacy training, and sustainable fishing initiatives, ensuring long-term solutions beyond temporary food aid.

Raising Awareness on Social Welfare Needs – The initiative helped highlight the broader economic challenges faced by fisherwomen, prompting discussions with policymakers and stakeholders on sustainable interventions for coastal communities.

The Food Parcel Program was more than just a relief effort—it was a lifeline for hundreds of women, reaffirming Enatta Foundation’s commitment to empowering fisherwomen not just economically, but holistically. Moving forward, Enatta aims to expand the program, incorporating community-led food banks, nutrition education, and agricultural partnerships to build a more resilient and self-sustaining support system for Lagos' coastal communities.

The Food Parcel Program