National School Canteen Program, a Gastro-Artisanal Fair to Promote Food Sovereignty

PORT-AU-PRINCE.— The National School Canteen Program (PNCS) organized, on May 1st, a first gastro-artisanal fair on the occasion of World Agriculture and Labor Day. The exhibitions held at the institution's premises in Catalpa, a neighborhood in the commune of Delmas, were an opportunity for the institution to highlight local production, under the theme: «Bay manje lokal nan lekòl, se kore pwodiksyon nasyonal».

A major first in a series promised by the PNCS Coordinator, Kevenot Dorvil, to underscore the importance of Haiti's food sovereignty. In this regard, the activities were dedicated to Harry Nicolas, ambassador of national gastronomy, known by the pseudonym «Mèt Fèy Vèt», for his contribution to promoting national agricultural production.

Mr. Kenevot Dorvil praised Mèt Fèy Vèt's work in favor of local consumption. «A memorandum of understanding to strengthen collaboration with Haitian producers will be signed shortly», he announced.

The fair brought together numerous food suppliers for the national school canteen program and exhibitors from different regions of the country. A variety of products were offered to participants, in addition to the richness and diversity of Haitian cuisine.

By inaugurating this event, the PNCS aims to support local producers while ensuring access to healthy and local food for Haitian children, Dorvil affirmed, indicating his intention to make this fair a regular event.

«The long-term objective is to continue providing hot meals to schoolchildren while boosting the local economy», Dorvil added, also thanking his partners for their contribution to the success of this first edition.

Despite the concerning security climate, participants traveled to illustrate Haitians' attachment to their culinary richness. However, this fair represents a mobilization of energy in favor of concrete actions to support local production.

By Jean Mapou