The Zero Hunger Trust Fund (ZHTF) commemorated its 10th anniversary in April 2026 with a series of impactful activities that highlighted a decade of meaningful work while setting the stage for an even more ambitious future. Under the banner of service, collaboration and national development, the month-long celebration brought together stakeholders from across St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) in a shared commitment to ending hunger and strengthening food and nutrition security.
The anniversary celebrations officially commenced with a Commemorative Launch and Dialogue on April 1, which set the tone for reflection and forward-thinking discussion. The event convened representatives from government ministries and departments, private sector organisations, civil society and beneficiaries – all of whom have played a role in supporting ZHTF’s mission over the past decade. The dialogue underscored the importance of sustained partnerships and collective action in addressing food insecurity.
A key highlight of the anniversary programme was the National Essay, Art and Photography Competition, held under the theme “Hunger-Free SVG – My Role, My Future”. Targeting young people between the ages of 9 and 20, the competition provided a platform for youth to express their perspectives on food security and their role in shaping a more resilient future. The initiative reinforced ZHTF’s ongoing commitment to youth engagement and empowerment as central pillars of sustainable development.
Volunteerism and community support were at the forefront during Give-Back and Volunteer Week from April 5 to 11. During this period, ZHTF hosted its annual ‘We Can’ Food Drive, which saw an outpouring of support from individuals, corporate entities and community groups. Generous donations of dried and canned food items were collected and have since been packaged and distributed to senior citizens enrolled in the Golden Years Nutritional Support Programme across SVG. These efforts reflect the organisation’s continued focus on supporting vulnerable groups and ensuring access to nutritious food.
The anniversary activities also placed strong emphasis on sustainability and long-term food production. Through the ‘Ten for Ten’ initiative, ZHTF committed to planting ten fruit trees at schools across the country, promoting environmental stewardship and encouraging students to engage with agriculture in a practical way. Complementing this effort was the launch of the ‘10K Gardens’ project, an ambitious initiative aimed at establishing 10,000 gardens across homes, schools and communities by 2030. This project is expected to play a significant role in strengthening local food systems and increasing household-level resilience.
ZHTF also informally established April 6 as Zero Hunger Day, creating a dedicated national moment each year to raise awareness and inspire action around food and nutrition security. The anniversary celebrations concluded with National Thanksgiving and Reflection Services held on April 25 and 26 at the Kingstown Seventh Day Adventist Church and the Kingstown Baptist Church. These services provided an opportunity to reflect on the journey of the organisation and to express gratitude for the support received over the years.
Reflecting on the month of activities, ZHTF Director and Chief Executive Officer Mrs. Safiya Horne-Bique expressed deep appreciation for the widespread support received. “We are truly grateful for the overwhelming support shown by our partners across government, the private sector, civil society and the wider public. These activities are a testament to what we can achieve when we work together with a shared vision,” she explained.
Mrs. Horne-Bique also highlighted the organisation’s growth over the past decade. “Over the last ten years, ZHTF has evolved into a key driver of initiatives that support food and nutrition security in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. This progress would not have been possible without the invaluable contributions of our partners, as well as the dedication and resilience of our staff and volunteers, who continue to go above and beyond in service of our mission.”
Looking ahead, she emphasised the importance of collective responsibility in achieving national food security goals. “Ending hunger requires a united national effort. It calls for collaboration, innovation and sustained commitment from all sectors. Together, we can build stronger, more resilient food systems and ensure that every Vincentian has access to the nutrition they need to thrive.”
As the Zero Hunger Trust Fund marks this milestone, the organisation remains firmly focused on the future. The achievements of the past decade serve as both a foundation and a catalyst for expanded action in the years to come, as ZHTF continues to lead and support efforts toward a hunger-free St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
