KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent and the Grenadines — The Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Zero Hunger Trust Fund has begun implementing a new European Union-funded regional initiative aimed at strengthening food security, expanding sustainable school feeding systems and increasing youth involvement in agriculture.
The 18-month project, titled “Cultivating Futures – Empowering Youths for a Food Secure Region,” officially commenced on March 27, 2026, and is being implemented across St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Lucia, Grenada and Dominica.
Funding is being provided by the European Union through its EU Caribbean Fund for Nutrition programme, a four-year food security initiative targeting six member states of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States.
The project will establish or enhance ecological gardens at 10 primary schools across the four participating countries, benefiting an estimated 1,600 students between the ages of five and 11.
The gardens are expected to support resilient school feeding programmes by improving access to nutritious, locally grown food. They will also provide students and educators with practical learning opportunities in climate-smart agriculture, nutrition, environmental sustainability and food systems.
Teachers, cooks, administrators and other school stakeholders will receive training and technical assistance in sustainable agriculture, garden management, nutrition and menu planning.
The initiative will also feature student activities, public education discussions, awareness campaigns and a regional “Garden-to-Lunch” School Garden Competition intended to promote innovation and participation among the selected schools.
Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Zero Hunger Trust Fund, Safiya Horne-Bique, described the project as an important investment in the region’s young people and future food systems.
“Cultivating Futures is a transformative initiative that places children and communities at the centre of sustainable food security efforts within the Caribbean,” Horne-Bique said.
She said the programme would provide schools with access to fresh produce while helping young people develop a stronger understanding of agriculture, nutrition, environmental stewardship and resilience.
Horne-Bique also pointed to the importance of regional cooperation as small island developing states confront pressures associated with climate change, economic disruptions and dependence on imported food.
Project Coordinator Chanda Davis said ecological gardens would make agriculture and food sustainability more practical and engaging for students.
“By integrating ecological school gardens into the learning environment, students will have the opportunity to actively participate in growing food, understanding healthy diets, and building lifelong skills connected to sustainability and self-sufficiency,” Davis said.
She added that the programme could also help students recognise agriculture as an important contributor to community resilience, entrepreneurship and national development.
A formal call for schools interested in participating in the project is expected to be issued across the four participating countries.
The initiative forms part of wider regional and international efforts to improve nutrition, strengthen climate resilience and reduce food insecurity among vulnerable Caribbean populations.