ZHTF-SVG COMMENCES IMPLEMENTATION of ‘EU-CaN CULTIVATINGFUTURES’ PROJECT WITH EUROPEAN UNION SUPPORT

The Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Zero Hunger Trust Fund (ZHTF-SVG) has

officially commenced implementation of the EU-funded „Cultivating Futures –

Empowering Youths for a Food Secure Region‟ project; which is an 18-month

regional initiative aimed at strengthening food security, youth engagement

and sustainable food systems across four Eastern Caribbean countries.

The project, which officially began on 27th March 2026, is funded by the

European Union, under its EU Caribbean Fund for Nutrition (EU-CaN)

programme, which is a comprehensive four-year food security initiative

targeting six countries within the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States

(OECS).

Implemented across Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Lucia, Grenada

and Dominica, the project will support the development and expansion of

resilient and sustainable school feeding systems through the establishment

and enhancement of ecological school gardens in vulnerable communities. It

also seeks to improve access to nutritious, locally grown food within schools

while creating opportunities for youths and educators to participate in

practical, garden-based learning experiences focused on climate-smart

agriculture, nutrition, environmental sustainability and food systems

education.

Over the course of the project, ecological school gardens will be established

or enhanced in ten (10) primary schools across the participating countries,

benefiting approximately 1,600 students between the ages of 5 and 11

years. The initiative will also provide relevant training and technical support

for teachers, cooks, administrators and other key school stakeholders in

areas including sustainable agriculture, garden management, nutrition, and

menu planning.

In addition to strengthening school feeding programmes, the project will

introduce practical student activities, public education discussions, social

awareness campaigns and a regional „Garden-to-Lunch‟ School Garden

Competition aimed at encouraging innovation, participation, and excellence

among participating schools.

Speaking on the commencement of the initiative, Director and CEO of the

Zero Hunger Trust Fund, Safiya Horne-Bique, said the project represents an

important investment in the future of the region‟s food systems and young

people.

“Cultivating Futures is a transformative initiative that places children and

communities at the centre of sustainable food security efforts within the

Caribbean. Through this project, we are not only supporting schools with

access to fresh, nutritious produce, but we are also creating opportunities for

young people to develop a deeper understanding of agriculture, nutrition,

environmental stewardship, and resilience,” Horne-Bique stated.

She added that the initiative reflects the growing importance of regional

collaboration in addressing shared food security challenges. “Small island

developing states continue to face increasing pressures linked to climate

change, economic disruptions and food import dependence. This project

demonstrates the value of regional partnerships and practical community-

based solutions that empower our youth while strengthening local food

systems for generations to come,” she said.

Project Coordinator Chanda Davis also highlighted the project‟s focus on

experiential learning and youth engagement. “This initiative is designed to

make agriculture and food sustainability more accessible, engaging and

meaningful for children. 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,” explained

Davis.

She noted that the project‟s activities are intended to create long-term

impact beyond the classroom. “We want students to see agriculture not

simply as an activity, but as an important part of community resilience,

entrepreneurship and national development. The practical experiences

provided through this project can inspire a new generation of

environmentally conscious citizens and future agricultural leaders throughout

the region,” she added.

The project forms part of ongoing regional and international efforts to

improve nutrition outcomes, strengthen climate resilience, and reduce food

insecurity among vulnerable populations within the Caribbean. A formal call

for schools interested in participating in the initiative will soon be launched

within the participating countries.

An official regional launch event and media briefing for the „Cultivating

Futures – Empowering Youths for a Food Secure Region‟ project is scheduled

to take place on June 23, 2026, in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The

event is expected to bring together representatives from participating

countries, regional stakeholders, government agencies and development

partners involved in advancing food security and sustainable development.