BAMSI joins frontline in fight against hunger

BAMSI joins frontline in fight against hunger
Pictured from left are Manager and Cook for the Bahamas Feeding Network (BFN) Recina Ferguson, Assistant to the Marketing Manager (BAMSI) Curlean Major, Executive Director of the Network Philip Smith, BAMSI Foreman Devontae Thurston and BAMSI Truck driver Ajalon Ferguson.

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Alongside its mission to revamp its business model and build financial strength through best business practices and streamlined operation, the management and staff of the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) remain committed to supporting the Bahamian community and serving those in need.  Toward that end, the Institute reached out to The Bahamas Feeding Network (BFN), located in Moseff House, Fox Hill last Thursday (Feb. 14), with a donation of some 10 cases of produce.

BAMSI donated some 10 cases of produce (lettuce, tomatoes, butternut squash, zucchini, cucumber and eggplants), a gallon of browning, two gallons of cooking oil and a bag of pigeon peas.

“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,” said BAMSI’s Acting Director of Human Resources Phillippa Whymns.

On a national level, the Government’s mandate is to reduce food imports and encourage Bahamians to become food resilient, but how does this translate when dealing with those in need? 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.

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.

In total, BAMSI gave some 10 cases of produce (lettuce, tomatoes, butternut squash, zucchini, cucumber and eggplants), a gallon of browning, two gallons of cooking oil and a bag of pigeon peas.