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The University of the Virgin Islands’ Albert A. Sheen Campus is set to host a fun and educational World Food Day event on Sunday, October 15, from noon to 6 p.m. While the global observation of World Food Day is officially on October 16, the event seeks to shed light on the challenges faced by the hungry and undernourished both in the territory and across the globe.
The festivities will commence with a formal opening ceremony followed by an array of activities such as educational workshops, a bustling food vendor court, a farmers' market, hands-on demonstrations, and a petting zoo. The highlight of the event will be the "House of CANs" competition, entertainment sessions, and the distribution of complimentary vegetable seedlings to attendees.
This year's theme, as chosen by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, resonates with the importance of water: “Water is life, water is food. Leave no one behind.”
UVI Dean and Director of the School of Agriculture, Dr. Usman Adamu, expressed his enthusiasm for the event. “I am thrilled that the UVI School of Agriculture is playing a pivotal role in this global observance, emphasizing the essential aspects of our land-grant mission - food production, natural resource conservation, and poverty eradication. I wholeheartedly invite the public to join us in commemorating World Food Day at UVI.”
A special feature of this year's event will focus on three agricultural products: the Annona Family soursop, okra, and lamb. Dr. Adamu highlighted the must-attend "World Food Day Super Chef Competition" and encouraged the public to support budding chefs. Furthermore, a Soursop “Splash” Competition is open to the public, where participants are invited to impress judges with their best soursop-based desserts, bread, and drink recipes. Entries can be brought to the event or pre-registered.
While the event boasts free admission, attendees are encouraged to donate a non-perishable food item for a charitable food drive. All collected items will be generously given to local food banks.
The World Food Day celebration is a joint initiative sponsored by the UVI School of Agriculture and the V.I. Department of Agriculture. Those interested in more details or keen to pre-register for the Soursop “Splash” Competition can reach out to Marthius Clavier at (340) 692-4090.
