WFP resumes fresh food corners at Rohingya camps

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has reopened its fresh food corners at the Rohingya camps, allowing trade and business activities to resume after months of closure due to COVID-19 prevention measures.

An important economic opportunity for local farmers and traders in Cox's Bazar, the fresh food corners have benefited both the refugees and their host community, said a WFP press release.

The fresh food corners are part of the Farmers' Market initiative where local smallholder farmers and traders are engaged in selling their produce at WFP e-voucher outlets and farmers' market sites in the camps, it said.

Rohingya families can get a variety of foods from the fresh food corners using their WFP Assistance Card, the WFP said, adding that the WFP then transfers the money directly to the farmers and traders.

"This initiative shows the dual benefits that can come out of a humanitarian response. WFP is proud to be supporting the local community and the Rohingya families, to improve their lives and contribute to social cohesion," it said, quoting the WFP Country Director in Bangladesh Richard Ragan.

"WFP plans to take this initiative further so that more local farmers and retailers can benefit from this programme," The WFP country head was also quoted as saying.