Colourful displays of fresh local produce and entertainment at the Nuku'alofa waterfront today, 16 October, commemorated World Food Day (WFD) under the global theme ‘Our actions are our future, a zero hunger world by 2030 is possible’

Awards were given for the best stall with assembled food products made in Tonga and food preparation using local ingredients and seafood. There was also a category for local restaurants and businesses on food preparation and safety practices.

Primary school students were decorated with fresh produce, to highlight the theme.

The event included a prejudged competition where various community groups and individuals from seven districts on Tongatapu vied for the best vegetable garden.

The day also highlighted the prevalence of non-communicable diseases among Tongans caused by an unhealthy diet and lifestyle.

Prime Minister, Hon ‘Akilisi Pohiva in a keynote address said that Tonga’s food crisis today “is that our agriculture cannot compete and produce all the daily meat, fruits, and vegetables needed by the people of Tonga all year round.”

“Hence, the huge consumption of cheaper imported food products, mainly meat and sugary products, which dominates the changed diets of Tonga today.”

He added that an average Tongan family’s diet today relied on imported foods that are high in energy and fat but low in vitamins, minerals and fiber.

He proposed resolutions to overcome this crisis, which included increasing local agriculture production of livestock, fish, vegetables and fruits to secure the daily supply of meat, fish, fruit and vegetables; to reduce the imports of unhealthy fatty and sugary food products; and change the diets of the younger generation via school programs.

World Food Day is celebrated by all member countries of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), since its founding in 1945, as a reminder of the importance of agriculture and food.