CPS urges healthy eating for World Food Day on 16 October

The Collective Prevention Service (CPS) is marking World Food Day on Friday 16 October by urging Sint Maarten residents to make healthy eating a priority. CPS, an executive agency of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (Ministry of VSA), said food security and access to safe, affordable and nutritious food are public-health concerns.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations set the 2026 theme as “Innovate today. Nourish tomorrow.” CPS said the observance, held each year on 16 October, draws attention to hunger, malnutrition, food insecurity and sustainable food systems.

CPS said diets high in salt, sugar, saturated fats and processed foods can contribute to obesity, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It encouraged residents to include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and protein in meals, while reducing sugary drinks, foods high in sodium and processed foods.

The service also listed sweet potatoes, pumpkin, green leafy vegetables, beans, peas and fresh fish as Caribbean foods that can form part of a balanced diet when prepared using healthy cooking methods. CPS said meal planning, preparing food at home and reducing food waste can help families use their food budgets more effectively.