FOOD FOR THE POOR ANGELS OF HOPE PROGRAMME BRINGS JOY TO HUNDREDS FROM CHILDREN’S HOMES

FOOD FOR THE POOR CELEBRATES OUR CHILDREN: Andrew Mahfood (2^nd right), Chairman, Food For The Poor; Deika Morrison (right), Founder, Crayons Count Initiative, and a Crayons Count Volunteer (3^rd right) play games in the Crayons Count Learning Lorry, with some youngsters from children’s homes. They were at the Food For The Poor Angels of Hope Programme ‘Day of Celebration’ on Saturday, May 18 at Hope Gardens. Through the ‘Day of Celebration’, Food For The Poor seeks to provide the wards of the children’s homes and their caregivers with a break from their regular routines, by creating a wide range of recreational opportunities in one location.

BRINGING HOPE TO OUR CHILDREN: Some of the children who participated in the Food For The Poor Angels of Hope Programme ‘Day of Celebration’ on Saturday, May 18 view ostriches at the Hope Zoo. Nineteen children’s homes, which fall under FFP Angels of Hope Programme participated in the event, which included tours of the Hope Zoo, face painting, bounce-a-bout, sports competitions, spelling and sketching exercises as well as rides on the ferris wheel, merry-go-round and mechanical bull. Through the ‘Day of Celebration’, Food For The Poor seeks to provide the wards of the children’s homes and their caregivers with a break from their regular routines, by creating a wide range of recreational opportunities in one location.

Kingston, Jamaica – May 21, 2013: Seventeen-year-old Jordan Logan was beaming with excitement as he                 observed the three zebras at the Hope Zoo. “Wow, I like them. They are really cool!” he exclaimed. Of all the animals he observed at the Hope Zoo on Saturday, the zebras and the reindeers were his favourites.  It was the first time that this overjoyed teenager and many of his peers were visiting the Hope Zoo, thanks to Food For The Poor Angels of Hope Programme, which hosted a ‘Day of Celebration’ on Saturday, May 18.

This annual initiative was enjoyed by over 600 wards and their caregivers from 19 children’s homes islandwide.

The event took place at Hope Gardens and was chock full of fun, food, fellowship, sports and ‘edutainment.’ The children and their caregivers were treated to tours of the Hope Zoo, face painting, bounce-a-bout, sports competitions as well as rides on the ferris wheel, merry-go-round and mechanical bull. They also had the chance of practising their spelling and sketching skills in the Crayons Count Learning Lorry. Food For The Poor presented all the children with gifts.

“I entered the Lime and Spoon Competition and came fourth, but I enjoyed it,” Jordan shared in an interview.

Fifteen-year-old Shaneisha Clarke was thrilled by the monkeys, especially “Sponkey the Monkey” who tried to nibble her fingers: “I like the birds and everything I see at the Zoo. I also like watching the dancing contest,”  Shaneisha remarked.

Twenty-one children’s homes, which fall under FFP Angels of Hope Programme were invited, but 19 participated in the event. They included: Maxfield Park Children’s Home, the Nest Children’s Home, St. Andrew Hostel for Girls, Jamaica National Children’s Home, Hanbury Home, Walker’s Place of Safety and Jamaica Christian Boy’s Home.

Through the ‘Day of Celebration’, Food For The Poor seeks to provide the wards of the children’s homes and their caregivers with a break from their regular routines, by creating a wide range of recreational opportunities in one location. Marcia Hall-Walker, Social Outreach Manager, FFP Jamaica, explains that the ‘Day of Celebration’ is a calendar event which most of the homes look forward to each year, with great enthusiasm. “The children love the opportunity to get away from their homes to meet other children their own age and to enjoy a fun-filled day of food, entertainment, games and fellowship.”

She said the FFP staff who volunteer to attend to the needs of the children on that day are motivated by the interaction they have with the children and their caregivers.  “We look forward to planning this event for the children in children’s homes every year.  They are like family to us and this is part of our way of assisting in a holistic approach to their development,” said Mrs. Hall-Walker. “The togetherness among the children is so awesome. The hugs and smiles of appreciation, which they give us, are so touching. The children are such an inspiration to us here at Food For The Poor.”

Nicholas Graham, Duty Officer, Summerfield Boys Home explained that the ‘Day of Celebration’ under the Food For The Poor Angels of Hope Programme, has made a significant difference in the lives of the children. Twenty-two youngsters from his home participated in the event.  “ It’s really an enjoyable and learning experience for them. They enjoyed the interaction with the animals, as well as their rides on the mechanical bull, bounce-a-bout and other fun activities,” said Mr. Graham. “ It’s a great fun day and the exposure of the children to a different environment does them a world of good.”

Janet Paddyfoot, House Mother, Walker’s Place of Safety, commended Food For The Poor for the annual initiative in treating the wards of children’s homes during Child Month.  The majority of those from her institution who participated in the event were in the 2 to 12-year-old age group.

“I think this fun-day that Food For The Poor hosts for them every year, is a good thing.  They like it very much and they look forward to it.  My little ones have enjoyed the face painting and drawing at the Crayons Count section,” declared Ms. Paddyfoot.

 At Saturday’s ‘Day of Celebration’, the winners in the first round of the Lime and Spoon Competition included: Shadime King, first place, Patrick Burke second place and Shane Clarke third place, and in the second round of the Competition the winners were Kayann Reynolds, first place; Sanjay Stewart, second place and Latoya Linton, third place. In round one of the Sack Race, Sanjay Stewart was first and Sashae Minott was second.

This year, the partners collaborating with Food For The Poor Angels of Hope Programme to make the ‘Day of Celebration’ a success were: Best Dressed Chicken, Crayons Count, Happy Ice, Hillel Academy, It’s a Party, Lion’s Club of New Kingston, Mother’s Enterprises Ltd., National Baking, Rent-a-lot, Sure Time Ambulance, Tastee, Tankweld and Wisynco.

Through its Angels of Hope Programme, Food For The Poor provides assistance to 21 children’s homes islandwide, which serve as a haven for abused, abandoned and orphaned children. The charity offers food, clothing, educational supplies, furniture, financial assistance and medical supplies to the children’s homes.  The FFP Angels of Hope Programme also provides some of the homes with agricultural training and supplies. In addition, the Programme ensures that the children from all the 21 homes are treated to a huge Christmas party with each child receiving a  Christmas gift.

In some instances, the AOH Programme partners with FFP Projects Department to improve the infrastructure at children’s homes, including the implementation of water and construction projects.

About Food For The Poor: Food For The Poor (FFP)-Jamaica is the largest charity organization in the country.  Food For The Poor Inc., located in Florida, USA, was named by The Chronicle of Philanthropy as the largest international relief and development organization in the United States. It is an interdenominational Christian agency that does much more than feed the millions of hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. FFP provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 96% of all donations going directly to programmes that help the poor. For more information visit our Web site at www.foodforthepoorja.com

FOOD FOR THE POOR ANGELS OF HOPE PROGRAMME BRINGS JOY TO HUNDREDS FROM CHILDREN’S HOMES

Anastasia Wheatle (left), Tour Guide at the Hope Zoo, assists Jahvanne Morris with properly holding a snake during the  ‘Day of Celebration’ on Saturday, May 18. The event was hosted by Food For The Poor Angels of Hope Programme for hundreds of wards and their caregivers from children’s homes islandwide.  Through the ‘Day of Celebration’, Food For The Poor seeks to provide the wards of the children’s homes and their caregivers with a break from their regular routines, by creating a wide range of recreational opportunities in one location. They were participating in the Food For The Poor Angels of Hope Programme at Hope Gardens, for hundreds of wards and their caregivers from children’s homes.   The children and their caregivers were treated to tours of the Hope Zoo, face painting, bounce-a-bout, sports competitions as well as rides on the ferris wheel, merry-go-round and mechanical bull. Food For The Poor presented all the children with gifts. Through the ‘Day of Celebration’ Food For The Poor seeks to provide the wards of the children’s homes and their caregivers with a break from their regular routines, by creating a wide range of recreational opportunities in one location.

Tricia Szymanski (left), Angels Of Hope Programme Manager, presents a gift to a youngster from a children’s home. The presentation of gifts to children from children’s homes was one of the highlights of the ‘Day of Celebration’ at Hope Gardens on Saturday, May 18 hosted by Food For The Poor Angels of Hope Programme. This annual initiative was enjoyed by over 600 wards and their caregivers from 19 children’s homes islandwide. Through the ‘Day of Celebration’ Food For The Poor seeks to provide the wards of the children’s homes and their caregivers with a break from their regular routines, by creating a wide range of recreational opportunities in one location. The children and their caregivers were treated to tours of the Hope Zoo, face painting, bounce-a-bout, sports competitions, spelling and drawing exercises, as well as rides on the ferris wheel, merry-go-round and mechanical bull.

Kingston, Jamaica – May 21, 2013: Seventeen-year-old Jordan Logan was beaming with excitement as he observed the three zebras at the Hope Zoo. “Wow, I like them. They are really cool!” he exclaimed. Of all the animals he observed at the Hope Zoo on Saturday, the zebras and the reindeers were his favourites.  It was the first time that this overjoyed teenager and many of his peers were visiting the Hope Zoo, thanks to Food For The Poor Angels of Hope Programme, which hosted a ‘Day of Celebration’ on Saturday, May 18.

This annual initiative was enjoyed by over 600 wards and their caregivers from 19 children’s homes islandwide.

The event took place at Hope Gardens and was chock full of fun, food, fellowship, sports and ‘edutainment.’ The children and their caregivers were treated to tours of the Hope Zoo, face painting, bounce-a-bout, sports competitions as well as rides on the ferris wheel, merry-go-round and mechanical bull. They also had the chance of practising their spelling and sketching skills in the Crayons Count Learning Lorry. Food For The Poor presented all the children with gifts.

“I entered the Lime and Spoon Competition and came fourth, but I enjoyed it,” Jordan shared in an interview.

Fifteen-year-old Shaneisha Clarke was thrilled by the monkeys, especially “Sponkey the Monkey” who tried to nibble her fingers: “I like the birds and everything I see at the Zoo. I also like watching the dancing contest,” Shaneisha remarked.

Twenty-one children’s homes, which fall under FFP Angels of Hope Programme were invited, but 19 participated in the event. They included: Maxfield Park Children’s Home, the Nest Children’s Home, St. Andrew Hostel for Girls, Jamaica National Children’s Home, Hanbury Home, Walker’s Place of Safety and Jamaica Christian Boy’s Home.

Through the ‘Day of Celebration’, Food For The Poor seeks to provide the wards of the children’s homes and their caregivers with a break from their regular routines, by creating a wide range of recreational opportunities in one location. Marcia Hall-Walker, Social Outreach Manager, FFP Jamaica, explains that the ‘Day of Celebration’ is a calendar event which most of the homes look forward to each year, with great enthusiasm. “The children love the opportunity to get away from their homes to meet other children their own age and to enjoy a fun-filled day of food, entertainment, games and fellowship.”

She said the FFP staff who volunteer to attend to the needs of the children on that day are motivated by the interaction they have with the children and their caregivers.  “We look forward to planning this event for the children in children’s homes every year.  They are like family to us and this is part of our way of assisting in a holistic approach to their development,” said Mrs. Hall-Walker. “The togetherness among the children is so awesome. The hugs and smiles of appreciation, which they give us, are so touching. The children are such an inspiration to us here at Food For The Poor.”

Nicholas Graham, Duty Officer, Summerfield Boys Home explained that the ‘Day of Celebration’ under the Food For The Poor Angels of Hope Programme, has made a significant difference in the lives of the children. Twenty-two youngsters from his home participated in the event.  “ It’s really an enjoyable and learning experience for them. They enjoyed the interaction with the animals, as well as their rides on the mechanical bull, bounce-a-bout and other fun activities,” said Mr. Graham. “ It’s a great fun day and the exposure of the children to a different environment does them a world of good.”

Janet Paddyfoot, House Mother, Walker’s Place of Safety, commended Food For The Poor for the annual initiative in treating the wards of children’s homes during Child Month.  The majority of those from her institution who participated in the event were in the 2 to 12-year-old age group.

“I think this fun-day that Food For The Poor hosts for them every year, is a good thing.  They like it very much and they look forward to it.  My little ones have enjoyed the face painting and drawing at the Crayons Count section,” declared Ms. Paddyfoot.

 At Saturday’s ‘Day of Celebration’, the winners in the first round of the Lime and Spoon Competition included: Shadime King, first place, Patrick Burke second place and Shane Clarke third place, and in the second round of the Competition the winners were Kayann Reynolds, first place; Sanjay Stewart, second place and Latoya Linton, third place. In round one of the Sack Race, Sanjay Stewart was first and Sashae Minott was second.

This year, the partners collaborating with Food For The Poor Angels of Hope Programme to make the ‘Day of Celebration’ a success were: Best Dressed Chicken, Crayons Count, Happy Ice, Hillel Academy, It’s a Party, Lion’s Club of New Kingston, Mother’s Enterprises Ltd., National Baking, Rent-a-lot, Sure Time Ambulance, Tastee, Tankweld and Wisynco.

Through its Angels of Hope Programme, Food For The Poor provides assistance to 21 children’s homes islandwide, which serve as a haven for abused, abandoned and orphaned children. The charity offers food, clothing, educational supplies, furniture, financial assistance and medical supplies to the children’s homes.  The FFP Angels of Hope Programme also provides some of the homes with agricultural training and supplies. In addition, the Programme ensures that the children from all the 21 homes are treated to a huge Christmas party with each child receiving a  Christmas gift.

In some instances, the AOH Programme partners with FFP Projects Department to improve the infrastructure at children’s homes, including the implementation of water and construction projects.

About Food For The Poor: Food For The Poor (FFP)-Jamaica is the largest charity organization in the country.  Food For The Poor Inc., located in Florida, USA, was named by The Chronicle of Philanthropy as the largest international relief and development organization in the United States. It is an interdenominational Christian agency that does much more than feed the millions of hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. FFP provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 96% of all donations going directly to programmes that help the poor. For more information visit our Web site at www.foodforthepoorja.com

____________________________________________________________________ 

Contact:

Erica James-King, PROComm, T: 926-6740 or 564-5277

Petri-Ann Henry, Food For The Poor, T:  984-5005 or 564-2886

Economic Diversification for Jamaica

EXPLORING THE VERSATILITY OF HONEY & BEESWAX:  Hon. Roger Clarke (2^nd left), Agriculture Minister; Dr. Morais Guy (left), Member of Parliament for Central St. Mary and Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Housing; Jacqueline Johnson (2^nd right), Executive Director, Food For The Poor Jamaica; and Shaun Baugh, Director, Corporate Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation / RADA-European Union Banana Support Programme Coordinator, were impressed with the display of products made from honey and beeswax in Esher, St. Mary. They were at the May 16 closing ceremony of the Economic Diversification Programme for Banana Producing Parishes in eastern Jamaica. The event took place at the Esher Seventh Day Adventist Church. Under the Economic Diversification Programme, 40 small farmers in the traditional banana producing areas of Esher, St. Mary and Somerset, St. Thomas were provided with materials, training and technical support necessary for sustainable production of scotch bonnet peppers, goats and honey. The honey and peppers reaped by the farmers have a total estimated value of J$ 6.14 Million.The Programme was financed by the European Union and implemented by Food For The Poor, with the Rural Agricultural Development Agency (RADA) and the Ministry of Agriculture serving as partner agencies.

PEPPER PRODUCTION IN ESHER:  St. Mary farmer Omar Morris (squatting) discussed his good yield of scotch bonnet peppers with Agriculture Minister Hon. Roger Clarke (4^th right). They were on a tour of Mr. Morris’ farm in Esher, during the May 16 closing ceremony of the Economic Diversification Programme for Banana Producing Parishes in eastern Jamaica.  Participating in the farm tour were (from left) Thomas Opperer, Head, Rural Development & Infrastructure, European Union Delegation; Dr. Morais Guy, Member of Parliament for Central St. Mary and Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Transport, Works and Housing; Dr. Winston Green, Member of Parliament for South Eastern St. Mary; Jacqueline Johnson, Executive Director, Food For The Poor Jamaica; Shaun Baugh, Director, Corporate Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation / RADA-European Union Banana Support Programme Coordinator, and Howard O’Hara, RADA Parish Manager, St. Mary. The Programme was financed by the European Union and implemented by Food For The Poor. Mr. Morris was one of 40 small farmers in the traditional banana producing areas of Esher and Somerset, St. Thomas who were provided with materials, training and technical support necessary for sustainable production of scotch bonnet peppers, goats and honey, under the Programme. The honey and peppers reaped by the farmers have a total estimated value of J$ 6.14 Million.

FOOD FOR THE POOR URGES PRIORITIZATION REGARDING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR BENEFITS

PRESS RELEASE 

Spanish Town, Jamaica – May 3, 2013 – Food For The Poor Jamaica has noted complaints expressed in sections of the media and by a parish councillor in Trelawny, about the distribution of its houses in the parish.

           

Andrew Mahfood, Chairman, FFPJ explained that while the charity has the final approval for housing recipients under the Ministry of Housing (MOH) /Housing Agency of Jamaica (HAJ) wooden housing programme according to its established guidelines, the organization welcomes recommendations from community leaders. 

He is therefore urging persons who recommend applicants for FFP houses to be “more selective about whom they propose, before submitting those recommendations to FFPJ and ensure that they start with the most needy in their communities.” When applying for a Food For The Poor house, the prospective beneficiary must provide: a letter of recommendation briefly explaining the current situation that he/ she is experiencing. This must be written, preferably by a religious minister, Justice of the Peace or Notary Public.

The charity has also committed to increasing the rigour of its verification process. The Chairman advised that recent investigations in South Trelawny have revealed that the majority of the homes distributed were in fact for needy families. In a few cases identified where greater priority could have been placed, the Chairman has asked his team to see how these can be accommodated.

Mr. Mahfood has issued a special appeal to members of the public to contact FFPJ immediately, and report any beneficiaries or potential beneficiaries who they believe might not be deserving of FFPJ’s assistance. They may also report on those that need emergency assistance. 

He is further reminding the public that no one must receive any financial contribution for any of its wooden homes. To report queries or concerns to FFPJ, citizens may call:

984-5005 or email: FFPinfo@foodforthepoorja.org

-End-

Food For The Poor (FFP)-Jamaica is the largest charity organization in the country.  Food For The Poor Inc., located in Florida, USA, was named by The Chronicle of Philanthropy as the largest international relief and development organization in the United States. It is an interdenominational Christian agency that does much more than feed the millions of hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America.

FFP provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 96% of all donations going directly to programmes that help the poor. For more information visit our Web site at www.foodforthepoorja.com 

______________________________________________________________

Contact:               

Erica James-King, PROComm, T: 926-6740 or 564-5277

Petri-Ann Henry, Food For The Poor, T:  984-5005 or 564-2886

Jamaica Star Feature: Farmers Benefit From Programme

Dozens of farmers in eastern Jamaica are crediting the Economic Diversification Programme for banana producing parishes with creating increased income generation for them and their communities, during the 17-month life of the programme.

In a media release, it was highlighted that despite some setbacks due to the ravages of Hurricane Sandy, the farmers in Esher, St Mary, and Somerset, St Thomas, who are engaged in the programme have reaped bumper-yields of over 50,000 pounds of scotch bonnet pepper, 39 gallons of honey and 26 new-born goats.

The Economic Diversification Programme for banana producing parishes is financed by the European Union Banana Support Programme (EUBSP) and implemented by Food For The Poor (FFP).

The Ministry of Agriculture and the Rural Agricultural Development Agency (RADA) are supporting partners.

sustainable production

The programme provided the farmers with materials, training and technical support necessary to engage in sustainable production of scotch bonnet peppers, goats and bees/honey.

The communities which have benefited were traditionally devoted to banana production, and were previously suffering from a dramatic downturn in their income due to a decline in the banana industry.

The Economic Diversification Programme has stimulated economic empowerment for the farmers by generating alternative earning opportunities for them.

Outlining the benefits which he and his community have derived from the programme, Orville Wright, beneficiary farmer in Somerset, said, "It has impacted the community in a positive way."

Wright explained that other members of the community who are not beneficiary farmers have also benefited, as they work along with the 20 beneficiaries in the area.

Source: Jamaica Star - May 3, 2013

http://jamaica-star.com/thestar/20130503/news/news7.html

AT THE PODIUM: NEW SCHOOL FOR ACCOMPONG

Food For The Poor Chairman Andrew Mahfood was featured in the Jamaica Gleaner's At The Podium. An excerpt  from his speech at the official opening of the Accompong Basic School in St Elizabeth, on March 20, was used.

The new school, which we are officially opening today, has three classrooms which can be subdivided into additional learning spaces; sick bay, teachers' office, kitchen and bathrooms. We have also furnished the school with beautiful, child-friendly furniture, which will enhance the creative, learning environment for the youngsters. The 37 students on roll are benefiting from the new facilities, but the school can now accommodate up to 100 students.

Andrew Mahfood

Our wish is for this school to be a hub of successful activities for the wider Accompong community. I encourage every adult citizen of Accompong to live service-oriented lives for the benefit of the children of this community and the nation in general. Remember, Jamaica is counting on you to be positive mentors for the children!

The construction of this school is another chapter in our long rapport with this community. Over the years, we have been building houses as well as distributing food and clothing to persons in need.

- Andrew Mahfood, chairman, Food For The Poor, speaking at the opening of Accompong Basic School on March 20.

Source: Jamaica Gleaner - May 3, 2013

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20130503/social/social3.html

FARMERS LAUD FOOD FOR THE POOR & EU BANANA SUPPORT PROGRAMME FOR SUSTAINABLE EMPLOYMENT

PRESS RELEASE 

Kingston, Jamaica – May 2, 2013: Dozens of farmers in eastern Jamaica are crediting the Economic Diversification Programme for Banana Producing Parishes with creating increased income generation for them and their communities, during the 17-month-life of the Programme. Despite some setbacks due to the ravages of Hurricane Sandy, the farmers in Esher, St. Mary and Somerset, St. Thomas who are engaged in the Programme have reaped bumper-yields of over 50,000 pounds of scotch bonnet peppers, 39 gallons of honey and 26 new born goats.

Esher Farmer Delroy Robinson inspects the sweet pepper plants on his farm. He is one of 40 farmers engaged in the Economic Diversification Programme For Banana Producing Parishes.

EMPOWERING FARMERS

The Economic Diversification Programme For Banana Producing Parishes is financed by the European Union Banana Support Programme (EUBSP) and implemented by Food For The Poor (FFP). The Ministry of Agriculture and the Rural Agricultural Development Agency (RADA) are supporting partners.  The Programme provided the farmers with materials, training and technical support necessary to engage in sustainable production of scotch bonnet peppers, goats and bees/honey. 

The communities which have benefited were traditionally devoted to banana production, and were previously suffering from a dramatic downturn in their income due to a decline in the banana industry. The Economic Diversification Programme has stimulated economic empowerment for the farmers by generating alternative earning opportunities for them.

RESOUNDING ENDORSEMENT

Outlining the benefits which he and his community have derived from the programme. Orville Wright, beneficiary farmer in Somerset, said, “It has impacted the community in a positive way.” Mr Wright explained that other members of the community who are not beneficiary farmers have also benefited, as they work along with the 20 beneficiaries in the area. “It’s an excellent programme and the farmers are grateful for this investment. Even now, beneficiaries are still excited.”

Delroy Robinson, beneficiary farmer in Esher, has also given the Programme a resounding endorsement: “It increased our knowledge about farming and farming practices.” Mr. Robinson declared that owing to the programme, he has learnt a new sustainable farming method, “I never dreamed of engaging in bee production and I never realized just how much one could earn from it. Now bee production is part of my life and it is helping to sustain my family.”

FOOD FOR THE POOR ONGOING SUPPORT

Ron Burgess, Senior Director – Recipient Services, FFP, explained that despite being adversely affected by Hurricane Sandy which destroyed approximately 85 per cent of the pepper plants, the recipient farmers were still able to make good returns on their reduced crop due to an increase in demand. “FFP assisted farmers who have suffered losses, to resuscitate their production,” Mr. Burgess reported.

He added, “It was a great pleasure partnering with the European Union on this venture and I am very happy and delighted with the results and the transformation it brought to many Jamaican lives.”

Selena Ledgister-Kellier, Manager - Agriculture and Fishing, FFP, echoed similar sentiments: “Forty farmers between Esher and Somerset who participated in the Food For The Poor and European Union Programme, have all come out smiling, appreciative and transformed from this venture. Food For The Poor has once again proven what partnerships can do when Jamaicans come together and how beneficial and life-changing our Agriculture Programme is to this country.”

EUBSP DELIGHTED OVER ACHIEVEMENTS

The EUBSP has expressed delight about the dynamic and effective partnership between itself, FFP and RADA which led to the successful implementation of the Programme.   Shaun Baugh, Director of Corporate Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation/ RADA EUBSP Coordinator asserted: “RADA through the EUBSP would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our partner, FFP on successfully implementing the economic diversification and employment creation in the traditional banana producing parishes.”

He explained that by assisting farmers displaced by the decline in the banana industry in eastern Jamaica and other parishes, the EUBSP supported agricultural and non-agricultural enterprises, as well as other rural development activities. “These projects are expected to improve rural income and ensure sustainability by utilising and building synergies between state entities, private sector and non-governmental organizations (NGOs),” stated Mr. Baugh. “To date, we have invested over J$ 4 billion in projects ranging from infrastructure development, economic enablement, agricultural technology transfer, social development and skill training, education, capacity building, bananas marketing and production as well as agricultural risk and disaster management.”

  

MAJOR BENEFITS TO FARMERS

The major achievements of the Economic Diversification Programme for Banana Producing Parishes are as follows:

Education of farmers in best practices in agriculture

Income generation opportunities through the production of new crops and the rearing of livestock

Increase in the profitability of farmers

Provision of guidelines on post-harvesting and marketing of farm products

The establishment of Farmers’ Associations

Implementation of marketing strategies for farmers in Somerset and Esher.

CLOSING CEREMONY

The Economic Diversification Programme was officially launched in June 2012. On Thursday, May 16 this year, the Closing Ceremony for the Programme will be held at the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Esher. The Keynote Speaker will be Hon. Roger Clarke, Minister of Agriculture.

-End – 

About EU Banana Support Programme

The EUBSP promotes sustainable development in banana growing areas of Jamaica. Since its inception, it has been investing in the banana parishes of St. James, Clarendon, St. Thomas, St. Catherine, Portland and St. Mary in an effort to maintain living standards and social and economic development. The primary beneficiaries are displaced banana farmers, farm workers, port workers and their families and by extension the communities.

About Food For The Poor

Food For The Poor (FFP)-Jamaica is the largest charity organization in the country.  Food For The Poor Inc., located in Florida, USA, was named by The Chronicle of Philanthropy as the largest international relief and development organization in the United States. It is an interdenominational Christian agency that does much more than feed the millions of hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. FFP provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 96% of all donations going directly to programmes that help the poor

FFP Feature on Wealth Magazine Home Sweet Home