Dishes That Can Combat NCD

Varieties of traditional foods were displayed at the Vei­kau Lodge in Naitaisiri yes­terday.

In marking World Food Day’s res­onating theme, “Water is life; Food is Water Leave No one behind,” the exhibition underlined Fiji’s ability to sustain traditional diets and lo­cal food systems.

The exhibition displayed the rich and diverse food culture of Fiji in a wide array of iTaukei delicacies from the provinces of Rewa , Tai­levu and Naitasiri.

Veikau Lodge owner Elenoa Ni­macere, who has more than 30 years experience working in the tourism sector and now sits on the Naitasiri Provincial Council, said the exhibition aimed at showing the potential for eco-tourism in the Naitasiri Province.

It ensures that women in the prov­ince have a healthy food supply all year round.

Acting Minister for Health Fili­moni Vosarogo said the exhibition represented only the beginning of a broad health initiatives and pro­grammes in Fiji.

He pointed out a need to recognise the nutritional, economic, social, environmental and cultural con­tribution that the three provinces of Rewa, Tailevu and Naitasiri are addressing through the traditional food exhibition.

“The collaborative efforts with non-governmental organisations and development partners such as the Foundation for Rural Inte­grated Enterprises & Development (FRIEND) with their initiatives to improve local food production and support women and youth to ad­dress non–communicable diseas­es.” Mr Vosarogo said.

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