We strive for people who work in our supply chain to live better lives because of their connection with VF.
VF Goal
Improve the lives of 1 million workers and their communities by FY26 and 2 million people by FY31.
Worker & Community Development
In 2017, VF launched the Worker & Community Development (WCD) program which aims to improve the lives of workers within our supply chain and positively transform surrounding communities.
We carry out regular needs assessments to determine our areas of impact, engaging directly with thousands of workers to determine localized, community-specific needs. The results from our assessments have driven the development of three focus areas:
Water & Sanitation
Health & Nutrition
Childcare & Education
Through our programming, we demonstrate to suppliers the value of investing in the wellbeing of their workers, which in turn drives continued long-term positive outcomes. Our comprehensive Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) framework is guided by our Framework for Change.
Framework for Change
VF’s WCD program provides workers with the resources needed to consistently improve their lives. By working directly with communities to examine local needs and priorities, we can operate respectfully in host communities and conduct our business in a genuinely responsible manner. We’re able to measure the effectiveness of WCD in a way that’s unique to our industry, assessing output, outcome, and overall impact.
The productivity case for WCD is compelling: when our workers feel safe, healthy, and protected, their workplace environment enables enhanced productivity.
Strengthening Workforce Health and Nutrition
Since 2019, VF has partnered with the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) to launch a holistic Workforce Nutrition program, Strengthening Workers’ Access to Pertinent Nutrition Opportunities, at VF supplier factories in Bangladesh. The program aims to improve access to affordable food options through canteens and fair price shops within the factories while training workers to make nutritious food choices. Moreover, cooking staff, caterers and canteen managers at factories receive education on enhanced nutrition and food practices on-site, and nutrition centers are established in the surrounding communities to scale impact beyond the factory walls. Since its launch, the Workforce Nutrition program has reached over 30,000 workers at five VF supplier factories and another 20,000 people in the nearby communities, and reports have indicated that nutrition knowledge, productivity and worker satisfaction have increased.
Improving Access to Water and Sanitation
Through the program ‘Championing Sustainable WASH for Factory Workers and Communities in Cambodia’, VF has partnered with WaterAid to bring safe drinking water and sanitation systems to rural communities near VF supplier factories. The program partners with local government and water authorities by investing in the development of infrastructure to provide access to WASH services and offering knowledge building activities to factory workers and community members. The program has reached 9 VF supplier factories and surrounding communities to date, reaching more than 200,000 people.Reuniting Families
To support parent workers and their families, in particular migrant workers who live apart from their children, VF and The Centre for Children’s Rights and Business joined forces to create the WeCare program at VF facilities in China. The program, which began in 2018, has been introduced at over 20 factories in China, serving 10,000 workers and children.
At each factory, a range of customizable activities and support services are available to help parents bond with their children, communicate with each other effectively, assist with remote learning and celebrate more time together.
See how this inspiring program is helping children grow closer to their parents, while reducing the stress and anxiety of migrant workers as they provide essential income to their families.