WORLD FOOD DAY 2019

Tuesday, October 29th, 2019

World Food Day is a day of action dedicated to tackling global hunger. This is held annually on 16th October of which people from around the world come together to declare their commitment to eradicate worldwide hunger from our lifetime.

Here in Tonga, Food is part of our culture as it is involved in every Tongan traditional occasion from Birthdays to Funerals. It is only right, that this day should be celebrated, promoted and made aware to the people of Tonga the vitality of ensuring food safety and understanding that we are lucky to have such variety of food in a world that is battling world hunger. This is a light that Tonga has and should share with the world.

World Food Day is an annual event hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, Forests and Fisheries which was successfully delivered at Queen Salote Memorial Hall located at Taufa’ahau Road, Nuku’alofa.The World Food Day observance was honored to have the Acting Prime Minister of Tonga, Hon. SioneVunaFa’otusia as the guest of honor for the day. Special guests such as the NZ High Commissioner, HE Tiffanny Babington and other cabinet Ministers attended the event. Exhibitions of food and local food produce was displayed on that day by Stakeholders, Women and Youth Groups in Agriculture, Food Industries and Fisheries.

The World Food Day program started in the traditional way a hymn lead by Free Wesleyan Church Youth, “UloAtuChoir” from Tu’atakilangi followed by a prayer by Rev. SelaNa’aLatu, FWC Former President of Education.

The participation of Government Primary Schools from Longolongo and Kolomotu’a were of great significance to the guests as these children delivered Skits, poems, songs and costumes made of food materials to emphasize on healthy food. As healthy food and physical activity are equally important to health, a Zumba led by Instructor from the Ministry of Health which enjoyed by all including Ministers and guests at the World Food Day celebration.

Highlight of the World Food Day is the tour of the exhibits by Guest of Honour, Ministers and guests. They witness the range of food products, local dishes, home grown vegetables, new ideas in food preparation and presentation by stakeholders, food processors, women and youth groups and NGOs.

The day ended with giving out of certificates to winners of the World Food Day competitions from food production to food preparation at household and commercial levels.