Against the backdrop of increasing debate in the region over considerations that include a continually rising food import bill and increased health-related challenges arising out of what is believed to be unhealthy dietary choices, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has used World Food Day, October 16, to seek to focus the attention of the region on the importance of infusing food-related issues more pointedly into regional public policy contemplations.
CARPHA says that it is advocating for topics on “food security, sustainability, and nutrition” to become a more prominent part of both public policy and public discourse in the region. The regional body is also seeking more pointed focus on the role of “multiple stakeholders working to provide safe, healthy, affordable, nutritious food, for all.”
Citing this year’s World Food Day theme, ‘Our Actions are Our Future,’ CARPHA says in its statement that its focus this year will be on strengthening local food systems for host communities and displaced communities.