Commencing Monday, October 11, 2021, the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development will be hosting several activities leading up to the observance of World Food Day on October 16. 

World Food Day is observed annually to raise awareness of the issues surrounding poverty and hunger.  This year’s observance will be held under the theme; “Our Actions Are Our Future – Better Production, Better Nutrition, A Better Environment and a Better Life”.

Phillip Sydney, Chairman of the World Food Day Committee, said: “Saint Lucia joins the rest of the world in commemorating World Food Day every year on October 16th. This was an initiative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) established in 1945 with the main objective to alleviate hunger by the year 2030”.

The week-long program of activities to commemorate World Food Day is geared at increasing accessibility to healthy foods and alleviating hunger among the less fortunate.

“In order to keep with the mantra of the Ministry which is ‘Eat Fresh Saint Lucia’s Best’, we are encouraging Saint Lucians to consume as of Monday, all that is grown in Saint Lucia which is ours and which is healthy," Mr. Sydney continued. "So, World Food Day is tailored in that regard. On Wednesday, we will host a panel discussion during Agriculture on the Move. On Thursday there is going to be a radio program discussing the theme again. And on Friday there will be two activities.

"As I said earlier, there is a push for alleviation of hunger around the world and Saint Lucia is also included. We are partnering with the Feed the Poor Ministry and the Taiwanese government to fund the feeding of one hundred needy persons at the Castries City Hall. Next to City Hall, at Constitution Park, there is going to be a farmers’ market showcasing what fresh produce farmers are growing under the Seven Crops Project. In addition, we are going to have agro-processors showcasing added value products. This is what we are asking Saint Lucians to do in order to create investment. The Farmers Market will be showcased in the Constitution Park starting from 10 a.m.”     

The Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development has received support from the Taiwanese Technical Mission and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), in hosting the World Food Day 2021 week of activities.