The Tribune

By KEILE CAMPBELL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas Feeding Network (BFN) is preparing for its third annual golf tournament, the Fidelity Bank Tee Off for Hunger. This event stands as the network’s largest single fundraising effort to address hunger throughout The Bahamas.

BFN board chairman Felix Stubbs highlighted the growing need for food assistance.

“We’re finding that more and more people are coming to us looking for support for their hunger needs,” Mr Stubbs said. “Conversely, contributions to charities have decreased. We face a situation where the need is greater, but the resources we receive are not sufficient. This challenge makes the tournament even more critical. We hope to raise even more this year than we did last year because the need is certainly there.”

Last year’s tournament raised $50,000, providing 65,000 meals for individuals and families in need.

Mr Stubbs emphasised the significance of this fundraising event.

“This fundraiser is crucial to the Bahamas Feeding Network because it is our largest single fundraiser,” he said. “It supports the work we do every year, day in and day out.”

Mr Stubbs had anticipated a decrease in the need for food assistance after the pandemic. However, he said “the reality has been quite the opposite.”

During his remarks, Minister of State for the Environment Zane Lightbourne highlighted the government’s efforts to establish a national food policy. This policy aims to guide The Bahamas toward improved food security by supporting local farmers and promoting home and community gardening.

Mr Lightbourne referenced a recent United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization study, which revealed that 17.2 percent of Bahamians experienced moderate to severe food insecurity at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He also announced the relaunch of the Yamacraw Farmers Market, which will take place on September 7 at Nassau East Boulevard South Park from 8am to 4pm. “The market, created by my team and me on April 1, 2023, provides a venue for local farmers to sell their Bahamian-grown produce every other Saturday,” he said. “We’re excited to support farmers and add a putting area to complement the event.”

As a novice golfer, Mr Lightbourne expressed his enthusiasm for combining his passion for golf with efforts to combat hunger. “I’m excited about the thought of doing two things I’m passionate about at the same time — fighting hunger and playing golf,” he said.

He also praised the $1m National School Breakfast Programme, which began in October last year, expanded to five additional schools in April, and went nationwide in August. The programme provides meals to students and is vital for their focus and health.

Mr Stubbs urged the community and corporations to increase their contributions, stressing that support is more crucial than ever. He specifically appealed to golfers: “My challenge is to the golfing community. We want as many golfers as possible, not only interested in golf but also in supporting the community, to show up in full force. We promise to entertain you and ensure you have a great time.”