The Zero Hunger Trust Fund (ZHTF) reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive food and nutrition security through its participation in the Pensioners’ Appreciation Day event hosted by the National Insurance Services (NIS) of St. Vincent and the Grenadines on Friday, February 20, 2026.
The ZHTF maintained a strong and interactive presence throughout the day, distributing vegetable seedlings – including cucumber, tomato, lettuce, and sweet pepper – to pensioners. Limited quantities of gardening tools were also provided to support seniors in establishing or expanding their own home gardens. These resources form part of the organisation’s broader strategy to empower vulnerable groups to grow their own food, improve their nutrition, and reduce their household food burden.
In addition to distributing agricultural inputs, the ZHTF team engaged directly with pensioners to provide information about the organisation’s programmes and services. The event also served as an opportunity to identify and register new senior citizens who may require support through the organisation’s food security initiatives.
Director and CEO of the ZHTF, Mrs. Safiya Horne-Bique, underscored the importance of ensuring that senior citizens remain a priority in the organisation’s mission.
“Our senior citizens represent a particularly vulnerable group when it comes to food and nutrition security, and it is essential that we ensure they have the resources and support needed to maintain their health, dignity and independence,” explained Horne-Bique. “Providing seedlings and tools empowers them to take an active role in their own food production.”
She further noted that the engagement reflects the Trust Fund’s commitment to leaving no-one behind in the national effort to end hunger.
“Ending hunger in St. Vincent and the Grenadines requires an inclusive approach that reaches every segment of the population. By supporting our pensioners, we are not only improving immediate access to nutritious food, but also strengthening resilience, preserving traditional agricultural knowledge, and reinforcing the role of home gardening in strengthening national food security.”
The donation of seedlings to senior citizens ties in with the organisation’s upcoming ‘Giving Back’ Week, which is scheduled to run from April 5 – 11, 2026 as part of the ZHTF’s 10th Anniversary Celebrations – where members of the public and private sectors are encouraged to “give back” to vulnerable groups and volunteer their time to associated organisations and groups.
The Pensioners’ Appreciation Day event, which took place at the NIS Building in Kingstown, brought together over 200 senior citizens for a day of appreciation and engagement. Attendees were treated to lively musical entertainment, complimentary health checks, and a variety of food and beverages, creating a warm and celebratory atmosphere in recognition of their lifelong contributions to national development.
ZHTF expresses its appreciation to the National Insurance Services for the opportunity to be part of the event, and commends the organisation for its continued efforts to support the wellbeing of senior citizens.
The Trust Fund remains committed to working collaboratively with partners within the public and private sectors to advance its mission of ending hunger and improving food and nutrition security for all Vincentians.
