To assist individuals with disabilities who are willing to work but lack sufficient employment abilities and are unable to enter the competitive job market, the Ministry of Labor provides sheltered employment services based on vocational assessment results. The Ministry collaborates with local governments to establish sheltered workshops, offering long-term employment support for people with disabilities. As of the end of October 2024, there are 167 sheltered workshops nationwide employing 2,111 sheltered workers. Since these workshops are self-funded and responsible for their profits and losses, the Ministry of Labor calls on the public to support the purchase of sheltered workshop products during the Lunar New Year gifting season. This action helps sustain the workshops’ operations and provides stable employment for individuals with disabilities.
As the year ends and a new one begins, sheltered workshops across Taiwan have launched a variety of exquisite Lunar New Year and Spring Festival gift boxes. These gifts are perfect for corporate gifting, sharing with family and friends, or enjoying during reunions. Combining gifting with charity, products from sheltered workshops are an excellent choice with high value.
Recommended Items:
- The "Walnut Jujube Cake Gift Box" from I-Mei Foods’ Taoyuan Minsheng Branch Sheltered Workshop features a perfect blend of walnuts and jujube paste. The thinly sliced pieces are sweet but not overly so, offering a classic delightful taste.
- The "Starry Sky Egg Roll Tin Box" from the Hsin-Lu Foundation Sheltered Workshop uses French fermented butter and fresh eggs without any added water. The rolls are dense and rich with a delightful egg-and-butter flavor suitable for all ages. The starry sky-themed packaging symbolizes guiding stars accompanying individuals with disabilities on their journey.
Starry Sky Egg Roll Tin Box (Photo/Source: Hsin Lu • Happiness+ Workshop Website).
Additional offerings include:
- The "Sweet Spring - Nougat Lunar New Year Gift Box" and "Mullet Roe Bites/Scallop Sauce" from the Children Are Us Sheltered Workshop. These seasonal gift boxes are crafted to perfection with traditional flavors for a festive atmosphere.
- The "Seafood XO Sauce" from Let’s Peach Coffee Bistro, is made with a generous amount of selected scallops, anchovies, and chilies. The rich and mildly spicy flavor enhances any dish and is a helpful kitchen companion.
Sweet Spring Festival - Nougat Gift Box (Photo/Source: Children Are Us Shopping Website).
Concerned about heavy festive meals? Consider:
- The "Handpicked Pineapple and Plum Vinegars" from the Loving Blind Tucheng Workshop. These vinegars are made from locally sourced fresh fruits, and fermented in cedar barrels without sweeteners, artificial coloring, or flavoring. They offer a refreshing and fragrant health-conscious option.
- The "Lishan Oolong Tea" from the Slow Flyers Sheltered Workshop. Harvested from high-altitude Lishan oolong tea leaves, the tea is roasted slowly over 28 hours, producing a rich, mellow flavor with hints of ripe fruit. It’s smooth and free of any burnt taste.
For more information on purchasing sheltered workshop products, please visit the Ministry of Labor’s Sheltered Workshop Product and Service Procurement Information section on their website or their official social media pages.