On Sunday, Oct. 15, World Food Day will be observed from noon to 6 p.m. on the grounds of the University of the Virgin Islands’ 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 “House of CANs” 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: “Water is life, water is food. Leave no one behind.”
“I am glad to see the UVI School of Agriculture is involved and committed in this annual global event that brings awareness on issues which are at the center of our land-grant mission-thus food production and distribution, natural resources conservation, and poverty eradication,” said UVI Dean and Director of the School of Agriculture, Dr. Usman Adamu. “I invite the public commemorate World Food Day at UVI.”
Each year, three agricultural products are highlighted, and this year’s selections are the Annona Family soursop, okra, and lamb. “A must-see event is the World Food Day “Super Chef” Competition,” said Dr. Adamu. “Please come and support young aspiring chefs.” There will be an open Soursop “Splash” Competition for the public. Participants are asked to come and wow the judges with your best desserts, bread, and drink recipes. Bring your dish with you or pre-register to enter the competition.
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 or to pre-register for the Soursop “Splash” Competition, please call Marthious Clavier at (340) 692-4090.The School of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service is an equal opportunity provider and employer.