In a significant step toward enhancing food security and student well-being, the South Rivers Methodist School has been formally onboarded to the School Feeding Programme; a programme under the umbrella of the Zero Hunger Trust Fund which is being supported by the St. Vincent Electricity Services (VINLEC). The official signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was held on Thursday 24th April 2025 at the school, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to strengthen the Resilient School Feeding Programme.
The School Feeding programme is a strategic initiative aimed at fostering partnerships that directly support schools in delivering healthy, nutritious meals to students. Through this MOU, the South Rivers Methodist School joins a growing network of primary schools benefiting from sustainable feeding solutions. This partnership underscores the Zero Hunger Trust Fund’s commitment to the long-term effectiveness of the Resilient School Feeding Programme, which focuses on increasing access to quality meals, supporting small-scale, and enhancing the learning environment for students.
The ceremony highlighted the collaborative effort between public and private sectors in building a more resilient and inclusive education system. In her remarks, CEO ZHTF, Safiya Horne-Bique, revealed that the ZHTF team is pleased to have the South Rivers Methodist School a part of the School Feeding Programme. Mrs. Horne-Bique noted that the mission of the ZHTF is the eradicate hunger in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and said, “feeding our children must be a critical part of that.” The ZHTF CEO disclosed that so far, 18 schools across St. Vincent and the Grenadines are being supported under the programme and mentioned that schools are given grants to supplement the programme, which allows them to purchase other foods that are not provided. Mrs. Horne-Bique also indicated that students obtain meals free of cost at the schools that are being supported by the programme and expressed her appreciation towards the contribution of VINLEC. The CEO highlighted that the “Eat What You Grow” campaign is also being pushed in the schools to ensure that a balance meal is provided. She pledged the ZHTF’s commitment towards the continued support towards this initiative, while expanding the programme to other schools.
Communications Officer, VINLEC – Bria King, stressed the company’s belief in supporting partnerships of this nature – ultimately making a tangible difference in young lives. Ms. King recalled other entities to which the institution partners with and supports, inclusive of the Youlou Pan Movement (Junior Panorama competition) and the National Science and Technology Fair. Ms. King added that the team at VINLEC is proud to see communities where they operate benefitting from these efforts, and extended thanks to the ZHTF for their continued commitment and the leadership of the South Rivers Methodist School for embracing the opportunity. Ms. King emphasised that they are hopeful that the partnership would bring meaningful impact and pave the way for future generations.
Principal of the South Rivers Secondary School, Roslyn Johnny, expressed gratitude on behalf of the staff and students at the school and lauded the initiative, outlining that the assistance being given would go a long way since the school feeding programme requires ample resources. Mrs. Johnny noted that the programme will be boosted, more nutritious meals will be provided, and students will be very happy with the outcome.
The MOU signing also served as an opportunity to reaffirm the goals of the Resilient School Feeding Programme—to ensure food and nutrition security, promote healthy habits among children, and support local economies through the use of locally sourced produce. The ZHTF and its partners remain committed to expanding the reach of this initiative and encourage other stakeholders to get involved in shaping the future of school nutrition in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
