American food journalist commends NESFAS efforts in food sustainability

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaApril 3, 2024

President of Glynwood Centre for Regional Food and Farming, New York Kathleen Finlay, inaugurated the one day Mini School Meals Festival was organized by NESFAS on the 2nd of April 2024 at Laitsohpliah in East Khasi Hills.

A number of activists, reputed international and national journalists, bureaucrats, and others participated in the event along with the teachers, MDM cooks, students and community members of Laitsohpliah.

Stating that her organization is also working towards reviving food systems in the United States, especially in New York which have been erased over time. “There are still strong Indigenous Peoples’ Food Systems here (in Northeast India). Of course, there are modern threats to these systems but it is my hope these systems will help us shape the future and I believe NESFAS will make sure we safeguard these indigenous food systems,” she conveyed.   

The competition was part of the “Linking to Agrobiodiversity for Improved Diets, Nutrition and Livelihoods” initiative by NESFAS which aims at increasing access of school children to healthy, nutritious, and diverse balanced diets through school meals.

Six schools viz. Dewlieh Govt LP School, Nongtraw RCLP School, Mawmihthied Govt LP School, Khliehumstem Presbyteriam LP & UP School, Subakalai SSA LP School and Laitsohpliah RCLP/UP School, took part in the competition which was one of the highlights of the festival. 

The competition showcased local school meals platters prepared by the five participating schools. Khliehumstem Presbyteriam LP & UP School were adjusted winners of the competition.

In attendance during the festival was also the renowned American food journalist Mark Bittman who expressed his elation in being at the festival. The former columnist of The New York Times mentioned that mono-cropping has destroyed food systems worldwide and that the world needs to learn from indigenous communities such as in Laitsohpliah.

Pius Rani, Executive Director, NESFAS, speaking about the initiative, shared that NESFAS’ aim with the initiative is to get school children excited about local farming systems through various interventions. 

He added that other innovative ideas such as introducing wild edibles into school meals and sourcing of vegetables directly from farmers has been implemented into the project lately. 

Mr. Phrang Roy, Founding Chairperson, NESFAS, in his closing remarks extended his gratitude to all the participants mentioning that the event has been a success because of them.

Regarding the School Meals initiative, he stated that the success of the initiative has been all down to the communities, cooks, and teachers. He then implored the international community to take part in the school meals initiative while stressing that the local Government also needs to step up with regards to support for such projects.