UVI's St. Croix campus will once again be buzzing with activities on World Food Day, scheduled this year from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 17.
World Food Day brings attention to the plight of the hungry and undernourished in the territory and the world. It also provides an opportunity for a deeper understanding of the complex solutions required to reduce hunger. The day is observed throughout the world in October each year to commemorate the founding of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization in 1945.
A favorite with the public is one of the event's signature activities - the "Youth Super Chef" competition. Local junior and senior high school students will participate for the third straight year. Adults can enter the "Citrus Splash" competition. The competition features breads, desserts, preserves and drinks categories. Prizes will be awarded for the best entries. Registration for the competition will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the day of the event.
World Food Day workshops will focus on tomato, citrus and poultry. The first 30 persons to sign-up and attend each workshop will receive additional seedlings, plant slips and free samples of dishes made from these crops. Additionally, free vegetable seedlings such as tomatoes, peppers, parsley, basil and chives will be distributed free. The day will include a food vendors court, a farmers market, tours of UVI's Agricultural Experiment Station field facilities, a display by Mathilde Wilson from Mount Victory, a petting zoo, music and other activities.
All schools, youth groups, and organizations are invited to help fight hunger by taking part in the World Food Day food drive "Kids CAN Make a Difference." Donations will go to local food banks.
World Food Day activities are sponsored by the UVI Cooperative Extension Service in partnership with the V.I. Department of Agriculture and UVI's Agricultural Experiment Station. For more information, call Clarice Clarke at 692-4060.