World Central Kitchen announces new round of grants for food production projects in The Bahamas

World Central Kitchen announces new round of grants for food production projects in The Bahamas
A flyer for a World Central Kitchen (WCK) grant being offered for food production projects in The Bahamas. (WCK)

NPO provides direct financial support, training and volunteer opportunities to revitalize the country’s economy and food systems

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — World Central Kitchen (WCK) has announced the launch of its fourth round of grants as part of its Food Producer Network (FPN).

Bahamian farmers. (WORLD CENTRAL KITCHEN)

The program helps build resilient local food systems and strengthen food security through direct financial support to farmers, fishers and small food-related businesses based on Abaco and Grand Bahama.

In this fourth call for applications to the program, WCK will also be accepting applications from non-profit organizations, associations, cooperatives or other community projects related to food production or distribution. FPN seeks to revitalize its beneficiaries’ operations and regrow their capacity to produce, distribute and sell food at the local level to reduce the country’s heavy reliance on food imports.

The grants are available to food-related businesses and organizations that produce or distribute food at a local level and can be used to finance capital improvements such as building greenhouses, walk-in coolers or storage units, as well as purchasing tractors, ice machines, irrigation and rainwater collection systems and engines for fishing boats. WCK also offers a free and online training program that includes technical training to raise production and business skills classes to enhance commercial operations and increase sales and access to markets. Additionally, WCK assists beneficiaries through its volunteer network, comprised of locals and visitors who provide community service to help partners meet their labor needs.

A Bahamian farmer with eggs. (WORLD CENTRAL KITCHEN)

Tiffany Dennison, of Local Organics Limited on Grand Bahama, said: “We continue to feel supported by WCK in all ways. The funds have assisted us in reaching the goal of reconstructing our greenhouse, but more than that, the consistent advice and learning opportunities have had us change things for the better. We have implemented plans and practices for pest control, water catchment, labeling and seeding. In conclusion, we have learnt new ways to improve our product.”

The FPN was established in 2018 in response to the devastating hurricane season the year prior. Since then, $3.7 million in grants have been disbursed to over 200 food producers affected by natural disasters in the Caribbean and Central America. In 2020, to support food security throughout the region, the program’s geographical coverage expanded to include the United States Virgin Islands, The Bahamas and Guatemala. To date, WCK has invested $487,000 through 32 grants across Abaco and Grand Bahama, with an average grant amount of over $15,200.

The window to submit grant applications opened on Friday, August 13, 2021, and will remain open until Wednesday, October 13, 2021. For more information or to submit an application, visit wck.org/food-producer-network and follow WCK on social media at https://www.facebook.com/wckfpn. For questions regarding the application process, please contact WCK at fpn@wck.org.