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Charlotte Amalie
Thursday, March 28, 2024
HomeCommunityEnvironmentWorld Central Kitchen Relaunches Volunteer Agritourism Program Across Caribbean

World Central Kitchen Relaunches Volunteer Agritourism Program Across Caribbean

A World Central Kitchen volunteer with the Food Producer Network walks among plantains. (Submitted photo)

Locals and visitors seeking fun and safe outdoor experiences will once again have the opportunity to visit and support food producers in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and The Bahamas through the Food Producer Network, a resilience program of the non-profit organization World Central Kitchen.

The Food Producer Network officially launched in Puerto Rico in 2018 in response to hurricanes Irma and María to help food producers rebuild their long-term capacity for food production and distribution. Today the network also operates in the U.S. Virgin Islands and The Bahamas.

After a brief hiatus in 2020 to restructure volunteer opportunities in light of COVID-19, today the network has officially relaunched its volunteer and agritourism program under rigorous health and safety protocols.

Through the volunteer and agritourism program, tourists and locals alike have the opportunity to volunteer to work for a half-day or more at partnering farms and fisheries across the three locations.

Volunteers are always needed, and there is so much to be done to ensure that fresh food reaches those who need it: from planting and harvesting, working with animals, building structures and stringing nets, as well as many other tasks. Most activities take place outdoors in rural communities where visitors can enjoy some time off the beaten path in a safe and socially distant setting.

A woman’s hands weeding a parsley bed. (Submitted photo)

Besides being fun, the volunteer program is also part of World Central Kitchen’s work to strengthen local food production and lower dependence on foreign food. Now more than ever, food producers need helping hands, and the volunteers provide essential human capital, all while affording volunteers the opportunity to assist, learn and enjoy a truly unique experience.

For more information or to sign up to volunteer, visit: www.wck.org/volunteer.

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