Dear Editor,

The high cost of fruits, vegetables, fish, and meats highlight a pressing issue within our nation: the need to decolonise our food system and make healthy food accessible to all, especially the economically disadvantaged.

It is troubling to see many Jamaicans resorting to nutritionally inadequate food, such as chicken back and fish back, due to affordability constraints. Our country, blessed with a rich agricultural heritage, should prioritise ensuring that every citizen has access to fresh and healthy produce.

Decolonising food in Jamaica involves rejecting an imported food culture that prioritises profit over health and returning to our roots, whereby local, nutritious food is central. However, for this vision to be realised, our Government must implement actionable policies. I wish to suggest a few recommendations:

*Lowering the cost of locally grown fruits and vegetables through subsidies will make these options more affordable for everyone. This approach not only supports farmers but also encourages healthier dietary practices.

*By incentivising urban agriculture and community gardens, we can increase access to fresh produce in urban areas. Financial support and educational programmes can empower communities to grow their own food.

*Educational campaigns focused on the benefits of a healthy diet and how to prepare nutritious meals on a budget are essential. Schools and community centres could function as hubs for these initiatives.

*Providing tax benefits or financial relief for registered farmers through the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) to those committed to growing diverse, organic produce can help reduce production costs and, subsequently, consumer prices.

*Enhancing local markets with proper storage facilities to reduce post-harvest losses can ensure that fresh produce remains affordable and available.

*Integrating more fruits and vegetables into school meals can inculcate healthy eating habits from a young age and provide immediate nutritional benefits to children. Here, we can also encourage our primary and elementary schools to supplement the school-feeding programmes with their own school gardens.

It is imperative that we act now to foster a healthier, self-reliant nation. A change to eating healthier can play a key role in reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases. By prioritising these policies, the Government can significantly improve the lives of our citizens and secure a healthier future for all.

Dudley McLean II

dm15094@gmail.com