Women in Gaibandha collaboratively manage a Community Food Bank to safeguard rice grains and ensure sustenance during emergency and crisis situations

In Bharatkhali Union of Gaibandha, a group of women collectively manage a Community Food Bank, which they had set up six years ago with support from NGOs. Every month, the women deposit up to one kilogram of rice grains each, which other villagers can borrow during periods of crisis and emergency situations. Over the years, the local community has significantly benefitted from this initiative, being able to access food in the aftermath of natural disasters such as flooding and riverbank erosion. This grassroots effort in Bharatkhali Union serves as an inspiring example of how local communities can take charge of their own well-being, and showcases the power of collective action and community-driven solutions to address pressing challenges.