The University of the Virgin Islands will, for the first time, observe World Food Day virtually, with some physical events. The UVI School of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service invites the public to World Food Day events on Sunday, Oct. 18, on Zoom via 921 6461 0205. This year’s theme is “Grow, Nourish, Sustain, Together.”
“World Food Day is a time when we assess food production and nutritional value, distribution, and sustainability,” said Dr. Usman Adamu, dean and director of the UVI School of Agriculture. “We hope that you will join us as we all recommit to doing something to eradicate hunger worldwide, especially in the Virgin Islands.” He continued, “Come out and participate in the programs and activities designed to promote awareness and actions to feed the less fortunate among us in the territory.”
The World Food Day opening ceremony will begin at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 18. Presentations will include a formal opening ceremony, workshops, demonstrations, entertainment, and free vegetable seedlings. Each year, three agricultural products are highlighted, and this year’s selections are pork, avocado, and cucumber. Educational workshops on pigs, avocado, and cucumber will be held until 6 p.m. Persons who attend the educational workshops will be eligible to receive additional seedlings. The seedling distribution will start at 1 p.m. and end at 3 p.m. on the grounds of the Department of Agriculture on St. Croix.
World Food Day, which is officially celebrated on Oct. 16, but observed worldwide during October, brings attention to the plight of the hungry and undernourished in the territory and the world.
World Food Day is sponsored by the UVI School of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service, UVI School of Agriculture Agricultural Experiment Station, and V.I. Department of Agriculture. For more information, call Marthious Clavier at (340) 692-4090.