On October 16, 2024, the FSM Department of Resources and Development, in collaboration with the COM-FSM Center for Entrepreneurship (CFE) and Cooperative Research and Extension (CRE), UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Government of New Zealand through United Nation’s Children Fund (UNICEF)and over 200 students from seven (7) high schools in Pohnpei came together at the Kolonia-China Friendship Gym to celebrate World Food Day. This year’s theme “Right to foods for a better life and a better future,” emphasized the immediate and long-term benefits of prioritizing access to safe and nutritious food for all.
The celebration opened with welcoming remarks from the Honorable Governor Joseph, who highlighted the importance of promoting and celebrating local foods. He also invited participants to join the upcoming Pohnpei Food Day celebration with the Pohnpei State Government in December.
The Honorable Vice President Aren B. Palik, followed with opening remarks, expressing his gratitude to all in attendance, recognizing the significance of engaging farmers, local vendors, and youth in this important initiative. Vice President Palik shared the importance of adopting sustainable practices, such as climate-smart activities, which are vital to enhancing food production while safeguarding the environment for future generations. He encouraged collaboration among governments, NGO’s, and partners to cultivate a network of resources and expertise that will enhance our food systems and promote resilience in the face of climate change. He closed with a call to action, “Let us work in unison to create a future where everyone has access to nutritious food, where our children can thrive, and where our communities can prosper.”
A special address was given by Mr. Cromwel Bacareza, representing the UN Micronesia Office, who reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to supporting food security initiatives in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM).
One of the key highlights of the event was the “Taste of Traditional and Nutrition: Parent/Guardian & Students Local Recipe Showdown.” Students from the participating schools showcased their culinary skills using local recipes featuring one of the five staple crops: Banana, Taro, Yam, Sweet Potato, or Breadfruit. Teams brought their own recipes, complete with step-by-step instructions and explanations of the nutritional benefits of their dishes. Judged on criteria such as taste, creativity & innovation, presentation, speed & simplicity (ease of preparation), teamwork, nutritional value and cost effectiveness, CCA secured first place, with PICS 2 taking second place, and Nanpei Memorial High School in third. To further engage participants and promote local food production, COM-CRE and COM-CFE conducted training sessions on composting, water testing, and hydroponic gardening.
Additionally, exhibition stalls showcased various projects and programs from the FSM Department of Resources and Development, Pohnpei State Department of Resources and Development, UNICEF, UN FAO, and other local farmers and vendors. These stalls featured the distribution of seedlings, plants, and promotional items to support local food production and raise awareness about ongoing food security initiatives.
The World Food Day celebration was a resounding success, bringing together a diverse group of participants to champion the cause of food security, promote the value of local foods, and build a brighter, healthier future for the FSM.
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