World Food Day will be observed on Sunday, October 19, from noon to 6 p.m. on the grounds of the University of the Virgin Islands’ Albert A. Sheen Campus. The day begins with a formal opening ceremony, followed by a full schedule of workshops, cooking demonstrations, and activities designed to highlight agriculture and food security.
The celebration will feature educational workshops, a farmers’ market, a food vendors’ court, a Super Chef demonstration, and the distribution of free vegetable seedlings. Admission is free, though attendees are asked to bring a non-perishable food item for a food drive, with donations going to local food banks.
While the official World Food Day is October 16, the observance is held worldwide throughout the month of October to raise awareness of hunger and undernourishment both locally and globally. This year’s theme, chosen by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, is “Hand in hand for a better life and a better future.”
“The School of Agriculture is committed to keeping all hands-on deck to increase and improve agricultural production and productivity for better foods and a better future in the territory,” said Dr. Usman Adamu, dean and director of UVI’s School of Agriculture.
Each year, three agricultural products are highlighted; this year’s selections are passion fruit, sweet potato, and pork.
World Food Day is sponsored by the UVI School of Agriculture and the Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture. The School of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service noted that it is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
For more information, the public may contact Marthious Clavier at (340) 692-4090.
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