Growing more of what we eat, supporting local farmers and building a healthier, more food-secure Virgin Islands are the focus of the University of the Virgin Islands’ (UVI) annual World Food Day observance on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026, from noon to 6 p.m. at the Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix.
Free and open to the public, the event will bring together farmers, agricultural experts, students and community members to explore practical ways to strengthen local food production, improve nutrition and reduce the Territory’s reliance on imported food.
Residents are also encouraged to contribute to a community food drive by bringing a nonperishable food item to support individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. Donations will be distributed to local food banks.
World Food Day underscores the critical role of agricultural education, research and innovation in addressing hunger and building a more resilient food system.
Hosted by UVI’s School of Agriculture in partnership with the Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture, the observance will feature a farmers’ market, educational workshops, cooking demonstrations, a food court, free vegetable seedlings and opportunities to learn about healthy eating and sustainable food production.
The 2026 World Food Day theme, “Innovate today. Nourish tomorrow,” selected by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), underscores the importance of agricultural innovation in addressing hunger, improving nutrition and strengthening food systems for future generations.
“This year’s theme captures the essence of the work of UVI’s School of Agriculture, including innovative agricultural research aimed at producing ample, safe and nutritious food for the people of the Virgin Islands,” said Dr. Usman Adamu, dean and director of the UVI School of Agriculture. “The School of Agriculture is committed to observing World Food Day each year because it provides an important opportunity to educate and engage the community, showcase locally relevant agricultural research and promote a more resilient and food-secure Virgin Islands.”
Discovering New Foods and Agricultural Possibilities
This year’s observance will highlight two agricultural products: jicama and dragon fruit, drawing attention to nutritious foods and opportunities to diversify local agricultural production.
Jicama, a crisp, mildly sweet root vegetable, and dragon fruit, a colorful tropical fruit, offer starting points for learning about dietary variety and the potential to grow more of what Virgin Islanders consume.
Throughout the afternoon, attendees will have opportunities to connect with local farmers, explore agricultural practices and learn practical ways to support food production and healthier lifestyles.
Giving Back to Fight Hunger
The community food drive offers residents a direct way to help neighbors while participating in World Food Day.
Although admission is free, guests are encouraged to bring a nonperishable food item. Each contribution supports a central message of the observance: ensuring access to nutritious food is a shared responsibility.
Advancing a More Food-Secure Virgin Islands
Observed internationally on Oct. 16, World Food Day brings attention to global hunger, nutrition and sustainable food systems. UVI’s annual observance, held this year on Oct. 18, connects these issues to the needs of Virgin Islands residents and the work underway to strengthen the Territory’s agricultural future.
Through its School of Agriculture, UVI advances agricultural education, applied research and community outreach that support farmers, encourage sustainable practices and strengthen the Virgin Islands’ capacity to produce food locally.
The University invites residents of all ages to participate, support local agriculture and learn how individual and collective action can contribute to a healthier, more resilient Virgin Islands.
Event Details
The event is sponsored by the UVI School of Agriculture and the Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture.
The UVI School of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
