Eastern Province has heightened preparations for the 2026 World Food Day commemoration slated for 16th October.

This year’s provincial commemoration will be held at Chipata Trades Training Institute, under the coordination of the Eastern Province Administration.

Provincial Food and Nutrition Coordinator, Norman Siame, confirmed the development in an interview with the media in Chipata.

Mr Siame said the province has partnered with the Provincial Nutrition Coordinating Committee (PNCC), Ministry of Health, German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ), Food and Agriculture (FAO), World Food Programme (WFP) and other stakeholders.

He said the commemoration aims to promote good nutrition, dietary diversity and sustainable food systems in the region where stunting still stands at 32 percent.

“The stakeholders are eager to promote nutrition in the province. We want to move from just food availability to nutritious food,” Mr Siame said.

He disclosed that a number of activities have been lined up to mark the day, including exhibition and cooking demonstrations of local nutritious foods such as orange maize, beans, groundnuts, soyabeans, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, and traditional vegetables.

Mr Siame said agricultural field visits will also be conducted in Chipata District to showcase climate-smart farming and bio fortified crops supported by GIZ and the Ministry of Agriculture.

He added that school activities have been included, with learners from selected primary and secondary schools expected to present poems, songs and drama performances on nutrition and food security.

According to Mr Siame, the Ministry of Health will take centre stage during the commemoration to conduct educational sessions on healthy diets, infant and young child feeding, and prevention of non-communicable diseases.

Source: https://www.lusakatimes.com/2026/10/06/eastern-province-steps-up-world-food-day-preparations/