FAO equips school lunch vendors and caterers with nutrition training

October 26, 2023, Nassau, Bahamas – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Bahamas, under the ‘Resilient School Feeding Programme’ sub-project of the Mexico-CARICOM-FAO “Cooperation for Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience in the Caribbean”, or Resilient Caribbean Initiative in short, conducted a comprehensive training program aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of lunch vendors and caterers.

The training included practical cooking demonstrations and covered nutrition-sensitive menu planning and meal preparation techniques as part of a broader effort to promote healthier school meals and improve the overall well-being of students in the school system.

The training facilitated by The University of The Bahamas, Culinary and Hospitality Management Institute enabled the 80 participants to enhance their culinary skills and learn cooking techniques that preserve the nutritional value of ingredients. These sessions were further supported by menu planning training with the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the Ministry of Education. 65 vendors and caterers learned how to implement menus that provide essential nutrients for students' growth and development.

FAO National Project Coordinator Timyka Davis expressed thanks and appreciation to partners who made the training a success. “We are pleased to collaborate with the ministry and the university to empower lunch vendors and caterers with the knowledge and skills to prepare healthier meals for our nation's students. This initiative underscores our commitment to promoting sustainable food systems and nurturing the health of future generations."

Ministry of Education, Technical Vocational and Training, Bahamas Dr Isabella Francis-Granderson indicated that the majority (89%) of participants found the content beneficial, gaining valuable insights to strengthen the School Feeding Programme.

Senior Public Health Nutritionist Carmelta Barnes shared “Schools play an important role in educating children and families about good nutrition as well as creating a culture of health that encourages healthy eating habits and active lifestyles throughout the school’s landscape.”

The FAO remains dedicated to supporting initiatives that promote healthier school meals, sustainable agriculture, and the well-being of communities across The Bahamas. The commitment of FAO to school health and nutrition in the Caribbean has resulted in continuous improvement into the school feeding programmes in the Bahamas, Belize, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago with funding received from the Mexican Agency for International Development Cooperation (AMEXCID).