On Sunday, Oct. 20, World Food Day will be observed from noon to 6 p.m. on the grounds of the University of the Virgin Islands’ (UVI) Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix. The day will kick-off with a formal opening ceremony and continue with educational workshops, a food vendor’s court, a farmers' market, demonstrations, a petting zoo, entertainment, a Super Chef competition, and distribution of free vegetable seedlings.
World Food Day, though officially celebrated on Oct. 16, is observed worldwide during the month of October and brings attention to the plight of the hungry and undernourished in the territory and around the world. This year’s World Food Day theme, selected by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, is: “Right to foods for a better life and a better future.”
“Through the work of the School of Agriculture, we hope to continue to improve and increase access to healthy and nutritious food for a better life and a better future for the people of the Virgin Isnads and their families.,” said UVI Dean and Director of the School of Agriculture, Dr. Usman Adamu. “I invite the public to commemorate World Food Day at UVI.”
Each year, three agricultural products are highlighted, and this year’s selections are carambola, leafy greens, and chicken. “A must-see event is the World Food Day Super Chef Competition,” said Dr. Adamu. “Please come and support young aspiring chefs.”
While admission is free, attendees are asked to bring a non-perishable food item for the food drive. All items received will be donated to local food banks.
World Food Day is sponsored by UVI School of Agriculture and the V.I. Department of Agriculture. For more information, please call Marthious Clavier at (340) 692-4090. The School of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
