The Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, in association with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), joins the global community in observing World Food Day next Thursday.

With the aim of spearheading initiatives to address poverty alleviation, this year's focus will be on introducing schoolchildren in rural farming areas and marginalised communities to the concept of Growing Boxes - a portable, sustainable food production system to encourage self-reliance to reduce hunger.

Fully equipped

The Growing Boxes, which have been procured by the FAO for sale to interested persons, come fully equipped with fertiliser, water and a soil substitute for a pest-free environment in which vegetables, peas, spices and ground provisions can flourish. The boxes cost about US$35 each.

While the idea of container gardening is not new to Jamaica, the FAO has used it with success in schools and poor communities in places like Africa and Mexico to effectively reduce malnutrition and hunger.

The national World Food Day exhibition will be held at Ardenne High School where the FAO's Growing Boxes and programmes highlighting innovative and low-cost food preparation techniques will be showcased.