Dominica among Eastern Caribbean nations set to benefit from EU-funded food security initiative

Dominica is among four Eastern Caribbean countries expected to benefit from a new regional food security programme being rolled out by the Zero Hunger Trust Fund in partnership with the European Union.

A press release from the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Zero Hunger Trust Fund (ZHTF-SVG) announced that it has officially launched implementation of the “Cultivating Futures – Empowering Youths for a Food Secure Region” project, an 18-month initiative focused on improving food security, encouraging youth participation, and promoting sustainable food systems throughout the region.

The project officially got underway on March 27, 2026, and is being financed by the European Union through its EU Caribbean Fund for Nutrition (EU-CaN) programme. The EU-CaN initiative is a four-year regional food security programme targeting six member states of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States.

Apart from Dominica, the initiative will be implemented in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Lucia, and Grenada. Its primary goal is to strengthen and expand sustainable school feeding systems by creating and improving ecological school gardens within vulnerable communities.

Organisers say the project is intended to increase access to healthy, locally produced foods in schools while also giving students and teachers hands-on learning opportunities connected to climate-smart agriculture, nutrition, environmental responsibility, and food systems education.

Over the next 18 months, ten primary schools across the participating countries are expected to either establish or upgrade ecological school gardens. Approximately 1,600 students between the ages of five and 11 are projected to benefit from the programme.

Training and technical support will also be provided to teachers, school cooks, administrators, and other stakeholders in areas such as sustainable farming practices, garden maintenance, nutrition, and menu planning.

Beyond improving school meal programmes, the project will include student-focused activities, public education discussions, awareness campaigns, and a regional “Garden-to-Lunch” School Garden Competition designed to encourage creativity, participation, and excellence among schools involved in the initiative.

Director and CEO of the Zero Hunger Trust Fund, Safiya Horne-Bique, described the programme as an important step toward strengthening the region’s future food systems while investing in 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 also stressed the importance of regional cooperation in tackling ongoing food security concerns.

“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 said the initiative was designed to make agriculture and food sustainability more engaging and accessible to children through practical learning experiences.

“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 added that organisers hope the project will have a lasting impact that extends beyond schools and classrooms.

“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 programme forms part of wider regional and international efforts aimed at improving nutrition, boosting climate resilience, and reducing food insecurity among vulnerable Caribbean populations.

Officials also confirmed that participating countries will soon issue a formal call inviting schools to apply to become part of the initiative.

A regional launch ceremony and media briefing for the “Cultivating Futures – Empowering Youths for a Food Secure Region” project is scheduled for June 23, 2026, in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Representatives from participating countries, regional organisations, government agencies, and development partners involved in food security and sustainable development are expected to attend.

The project’s progress and other information can be found via the ZHTF website https://zerohungersvg.com/eu-cultivatingfutures/ and its social media platforms (LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram).