The Tribune

By AVA TURNQUEST

Tribune Chief Reporter

aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) joined the frontlines in the fight against hunger with a produce donation to the Bahamas Feeding Network (BFN) last week.

Alongside its mission to revamp its business model and build financial strength through best business practices and a streamlined operation, BAMSI management and staff of the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute stressed their commitment to supporting the Bahamian community and serving those in need. The Institute reached out to the Bahamas Feeding Network (BFN), located in Moseff House, Fox Hill with a donation of 10 cases of produce.

BAMSI’s Acting Director of Human Resources Phillippa Whymns said: “While the Bahamas continues to make exciting strides in the development of a wide cross section of industries and entrepreneurial ventures, we sometimes forget that there are thousands of Bahamians who struggle to meet even the most basic of human needs and face a persistent level of food insecurity.”

Part of the solution is to stem the tide of wastage (whether through spoilage or otherwise), Mrs Whymns said, adding that going forward, BAMSI has made the decision to donate quality surplus to agencies and charitable organizations that are on the front lines in the fight against hunger. Executive Director of the Network Philip Smith expressed his gratitude to BAMSI for the donation. With an estimated 70,000 persons across the country going hungry, he said BFN is driven by a desire to reach out to those who struggle to find food on a daily basis.

Partnering with feeding networks and volunteer organizations across the Bahamas and internationally, BFN feeds approximately 2,000 people a week. Mr Smith said BFN’s kitchen, run by Recina Ferguson who serves as manager and cook, prepares 4,000 hot meals a week for distribution to their partners, along with some 500 grocery bags per week also for distribution.

The Feeding Network hosts its own open house feeding every Sunday and Thursday.