The Zero Hunger Trust Fund (ZHTF) has reached a critical milestone in its mission to eliminate hunger with the recent validation of its Strategic Plan 2026–2030. During a workshop held on June 18, 2026, at the NIS Building Conference Room, stakeholders from across the government, civil society, and youth organizations gathered to finalize a roadmap that will guide the Fund through its second decade of service.
The workshop, facilitated by Strategic Consultant Kevin Hope, was the culmination of a participatory process that began with broader consultations in March 2026. The resulting draft plan marks a shift toward a “systems vision” for food and nutrition security, moving away from isolated programs toward a more integrated national strategy.
Director and CEO of the ZHTF, Safiya Horne-Bique, addressed the participants, noting that the environment in which the Fund operates has changed drastically since its establishment in 2016. She highlighted several emerging challenges that the new plan must address, including:
- Deepening climate and disaster risks.
- Rising food prices and a high dependency on food imports.
- Shifting dietary patterns and an aging population.
- Youth unemployment and continued household vulnerability.
“The goal of this workshop is that we leave with a clearer, stronger and more validated strategic framework,” Horne-Bique stated, emphasizing that the document must serve as a “useful national instrument for action” rather than just a plan on paper.
At the core of the 2026–2030 strategy is a full food systems approach. This framework recognizes that sustainable solutions require coordination across multiple sectors, including social protection, local food production, fisheries, agriculture, and climate resilience. The plan aims to balance immediate assistance for vulnerable groups with long-term investments designed to strengthen livelihoods and national food system resilience.
Strategic Consultant Kevin Hope noted that the plan seeks to move concepts like food sovereignty out of the realm of policy and into “national culture and community practice”. He stressed the importance of using agriculture and fisheries as primary mediums to reduce poverty and vulnerability at the community level.
The Strategic Plan also clarifies the ZHTF’s role as a catalytic and partnership-driven institution. Rather than replacing existing government ministries, the Fund is positioned to connect policy, financing, and evidence to help translate national priorities into practical, community-focused action.
The feedback and recommendations gathered during the workshop will be incorporated into the final version of the Strategic Plan 2026–2030. Once approved, the plan will serve as the official roadmap for the ZHTF to address hunger, support sustainable livelihoods, and build resilient and inclusive food systems throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines for the next five years.