Elderly In Loei Province Make Dishes From Leaves To Earn An Income Amid COVID-19

Handcrafted dishes by locals for locals



Images adapted from: จ.จานใจดี

Amidst the financial crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of Thai people are at risk of losing their jobs. This has led to many needing to find a way to earn more money and make ends meet, including trying new things. 

Some have worked in the delivery service industry, been baking or cooking for a living, or more interestingly, making dishes from leaves to earn money.


The elderly in Loei make dishes for a living



Image credit:
จ. จานใจดี

With COVID-19 leading to financial issues, a group of local elderly citizens and people with disabilities in Loei province joined Jor Jaan Jai Dee to earn more money during their free time. 

The brand came up with an initiative to transform local leaves into more valuable things like dishes and food containers.


Working together as a family



Image credit:
จ.จานใจดี

A group of members will go out and find some leaves from the nearby forest in neighbourhood and bring them back to make dishes.


Images adapted from:
อรอุมา อุมารังษี

The dishes are made by sewing layers of leaves, leaving them aside till they dry, and then putting them through a compressing machine. They are currently being sold at only ฿2 each.


Image credit: อรอุมา อุมารังษี

Dishes and food containers from leaves actually got popular several years ago as an alternative to help reduce the amount of plastic waste.


The products are used in a mini party among locals as well
Image credit: จ.จานใจดี

“I think this project helps create some extra income and eases worry during this time, and even helps save the environment in the process,” said Niracha Wongmasa, one of the founders of Jor Jaan Jai Dee to Khaosod English.


Image credit: จ.จานใจดี

We’re so glad to see that grandparents in remote areas, whose incomes are affected by the pandemic, are not left alone, and we hope everything will be back to normal soon.

If you are interested in these handcrafted dishes and want to support a local business, feel free to contact them on Facebook or call +66 87 430 2839 for more information.

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