Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) is a net food importer, currently meeting approximately 85% of its needs from imports, compared to around 60% in 2000. Food imports’ share of overall imported merchandise stood at 11.4% in 2015 (above the 7.3% average across Latin America and the Caribbean). The role of Agriculture in our national economy has dwindled considerably over the last century, in 2015, contributing just 0.5% to our GDP (Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago). 

This project Food for You- Fostering a sustainable food ecosystem in Trinidad and Tobago seeks to combine an educational program with an awareness campaign, that will ultimately raise consciousness and increase knowledge about the issue of food security in Trinidad and Tobago. This will include documentation of relevant first-hand experiences, as well as spotlighting individuals and organizations who are the backbone of the local food economy. In the pilot phase, a targeted beneficiary group will experience first-hand the food “lifecycle”, from production, to distribution and retail, and ultimately to consumption. 

Goals

1. To highlight the challenges and opportunities in boosting production and consumption of local foods.


2. To invite a wider audience to learn about the fundamentals of sustainable food growing and consumption.


3. To bring national attention and awareness to the issue of food security, through social media. 


4. To create an educational toolkit that will bolster skills in sustainable food production.

Target

1. 
   30,000-40,000 people reached or engaged via a Digital Media Campaign (via Port of Spain Hub's Facebook and Instagram social media pages).
   


2. 
   30 participants aged between 18-25 from the Port of Spain city and environs will engage in a series of five educational workshops that will highlight the “food life cycle” from production to consumption, with additional support provided in business and project planning for their own initiatives.
   


3. 
   4 participants awarded micro-grants to work on their own agricultural initiatives.
   

Impacts

1. Increased knowledge of 10 participants on food security issues and local solutions from their participation.


2. To ultimately stimulate further conversation and action towards a cultural and economic shift in our attitudes and behaviours amongst food producers, distributors and consumers.