The Zero Hunger Trust Fund in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has officially begun implementation of a new European Union-funded regional project aimed at boosting food security, youth engagement and sustainable agriculture across the Eastern Caribbean.

The initiative, titled “Cultivating Futures – Empowering Youths for a Food Secure Region,” commenced on March 27, 2026 and will run for 18 months.

Funded by the European Union under its EU Caribbean Fund for Nutrition programme, the project forms part of a broader four-year effort targeting six countries within the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

The programme will be implemented across Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Lucia, Grenada and Dominica.

It aims to strengthen school feeding systems through the establishment and expansion of ecological school gardens, particularly in vulnerable communities, while improving access to nutritious, locally grown food for students.

Over the life of the project, ecological gardens will be developed or enhanced at 10 primary schools across the participating countries, benefiting approximately 1,600 students between the ages of five and 11.

The initiative will also provide training and technical support for teachers, cooks, administrators and other school stakeholders in areas such as sustainable agriculture, nutrition, garden management and menu planning.

In addition to infrastructure and training, the project will introduce student-focused activities, public education campaigns and a regional “Garden-to-Lunch” School Garden Competition to encourage participation and innovation.

Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Zero Hunger Trust Fund Safiya Horne-Bique said the initiative represents a major investment in the region’s future.

“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,” she said.

Horne-Bique added that the project highlights the importance of regional collaboration in tackling food security challenges, particularly for small island developing states facing climate and economic pressures.

Project Coordinator Chanda Davis said the initiative is designed to make agriculture more engaging and accessible to young people through hands-on learning.

“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 project aims to inspire a new generation of environmentally conscious citizens and future agricultural leaders.

A formal call for schools to participate in the initiative is expected to be launched soon across the four countries.

An official regional launch and media briefing is scheduled for June 23, 2026 in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, bringing together regional stakeholders, government agencies and development partners involved in advancing food security and sustainable development.