Tempeh Today launches 'Tempeh for Education' project

Tempeh Today has officially launched the 'Tempeh for Education (MFU) Project', a collaborative initiative aimed at addressing child labor while empowering women in vulnerable communities. Partnering with The Freedom Project India and receiving support from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), the project focuses on decentralized tempeh production as a pathway to social and economic empowerment.

At the core of the MFU Project is the Micro Fermentation Unit (MFU), a compact, plug-and-play fermentation chamber designed for small-scale tempeh production. Each MFU unit can produce up to 100kg of tempeh per week and is designed for single-operator use. Women in the targeted communities are provided with essential training, resources, and a guaranteed buyback program, ensuring them fair and stable pay while offering them the opportunity to build a local customer base as independent entrepreneurs.

Through the MFU Project, Tempeh Today offers participants the tools and support they need to take charge of their economic future. Beyond financial benefits, the project provides holistic support by addressing other critical needs of participants, including education for their children, after-school tutoring, and meal support.

The MFU Project is not just about economic opportunity—it is also about long-term personal and family growth. Working in collaboration with The Freedom Project India, participants are introduced to self-help groups that provide training in key areas like financial literacy, language skills, and government program awareness. This education equips women with the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve financial independence and sustainable futures for themselves and their families.

By providing a comprehensive approach to social and economic development, the MFU Project seeks to uplift women in vulnerable communities, giving them the tools to thrive. The program’s broader impact also includes creating a ripple effect of positive change, with empowered women serving as role models and community leaders.

A key element of the project is tempeh itself, a nutrient-dense, protein-rich food with roots in Indonesia. Known for its high protein content, tempeh offers more protein per serving than chicken, and it is a great source of fiber, B vitamins, including B12, and iron. With its affordability and nutritional profile, tempeh is positioned as a valuable dietary option in school meal programs and across India.

Tempeh Today is also working to increase awareness of tempeh’s health benefits, aiming to address critical nutritional needs in the region. By promoting tempeh as an accessible, sustainable source of protein, the company hopes to make a meaningful contribution to improving public health, particularly in underserved communities.

The MFU Project also extends its support to local farmers by partnering with agricultural researchers to improve crop yields and quality. Tempeh Today works with these farmers to ensure the supply of high-quality raw materials for tempeh production, fostering a sustainable agricultural supply chain. The collaboration not only benefits women producers but also promotes long-term agricultural growth, ensuring that the local economy is supported through a strong, sustainable food system.

Henk Schouten, Director of Tempeh Today, emphasized the social and economic impact of the project: “Our MFU Project reflects our commitment to social and economic development, providing real opportunities for women to achieve financial independence. Through this project, we offer vital education, resources, and income to empower women and create a ripple effect of positive change in their communities. With the support of our partners and the Dutch government, we are working toward a future where economic opportunity and empowerment are accessible to all.”

To mark the official launch of the MFU Project, Tempeh Today has invited government officials, industry partners, and supporters to attend a launch event on 13 November 2024. The event will be followed by site visits on 14 November, where attendees will be able to witness first hand the transformative potential of this initiative and its positive impact on local communities.