A healthy family begins with access to nutritious food, and sometimes, meaningful change starts right in the backyard.
Through the BRECSA Project, Tarayana Foundation, as an implementing partner of the World Food Programme (WFP) Bhutan, is supporting vulnerable households across 37 Gewogs in four target districts—Zhemgang, Trongsa, Sarpang, and Tsirang—to strengthen home gardening and improve household nutrition.
Since August 2026, approximately 600 vulnerable households have received vegetable seeds and planting materials suited to local conditions, along with practical guidance on establishing and maintaining productive home gardens. These efforts are complemented by nutrition education sessions for women, youth, and community members, promoting healthy eating habits and the effective use of homegrown produce.
Home Gardens for Better Nutrition and Food Security
Home gardens offer more than a source of fresh vegetables. They help families improve their diets, strengthen household food security, and build greater resilience.
- Improved nutrition: Growing a variety of vegetables at home helps families access diverse, nutrient-rich foods and improve their daily diets.
- Enhanced food security: Home gardens provide a more reliable supply of fresh produce throughout the year, reducing dependence on purchased vegetables.
- Stronger household livelihoods: Producing vegetables at home can help families reduce food expenses and make better use of available resources.
- Knowledge for healthier living: Nutrition education empowers families to make informed food choices, prepare balanced meals, and maximise the nutritional value of locally available foods.
By combining practical gardening support with nutrition education, the initiative encourages households to adopt sustainable practices that contribute to healthier lives.
Community Partnerships at the Heart of the Initiative
The Foundation’s Sanam Jabchorpas (SJs), working in collaboration with Gewog Agriculture Extension Officers, local leaders, and community members, help ensure that support reaches vulnerable households.
This community-based approach strengthens local participation and encourages families to take an active role in improving their own nutrition and food security. By providing both planting materials and practical knowledge, the initiative supports households in developing the skills needed to maintain productive home gardens beyond the initial assistance.
Growing Towards Healthier and More Resilient Communities
The BRECSA Project goes beyond distributing seeds and planting materials. It nurtures a culture of growing, sharing, and consuming nutritious food while helping families build healthier, more food-secure, and resilient futures.
With activities continuing over the next two months, the initiative aims to reach approximately 700 additional beneficiaries, extending its impact to more households and communities across the target districts.
Through sustained community engagement, home gardening, and nutrition education, Tarayana Foundation and WFP Bhutan continue to support vulnerable families in taking practical steps towards better nutrition and improved household well-being.