Growing what we eat and eating what we grow: Students lead the way in Grenada

Growing what we eat and eating what we grow:  Students lead the way in Grenada

Grenada, December 2022. “Planting was fun for me! We planted guava, cherry, golden apple, mango and pear trees and a flower. I really enjoyed the day!”

Anaiah Phillip, a lively 11-year-old attending the Woburn Methodist School in Grenada is one of a number of children across the country who have taken part in a literally groundbreaking UNICEF-supported project to encourage better nutrition and health.

One key aspect of the intervention was to give children experience in growing crops and trees to reinforce the link between ‘home grown’ food and good health. Anaiah, who was one of the planting supervisors, understands the significance of the  move.

“It made me feel happy knowing that others can benefit from my work. I think it is important to plant like this because it is healthier and cheaper and you feel encouraged to eat what you grow. I have shared the knowledge with my family and friends.”

Nutrition camp

Alongside the planting, more than 60 students aged 8 to 14 from 43 schools also attended one-week nutrition camps in July and August 2022 where they learned  to prepare healthy meals and snacks and left with a positive perspective on keeping themselves healthy through eating and exercise.  

The students who have graduated from the programme are now ‘health ambassadors’ who will spread their newfound knowledge.  

“I am proud to be a health ambassador,”  says Anaiah, “The next step is to tell more people the good knowledge on social media and in person. This has changed the way I think about what and how I eat because I’m now more cautious of what I put into my body.”

Lydia Browne, Executive Secretary of the Grenada Food and Nutrition Council, which spearheaded the project, with support from the ministries of agriculture, education and health, is extremely pleased with what has been achieved.

“I love to see the students learning how to look after themselves by eating well, nurturing  plants and developing a fruitful relationship with the land. They are on course for a healthier future,” she maintained.