The Ministry of Health honoured 43 participants of the Grow Eat $ave Gardening Programme at a ceremony on 13 November, held at the Devonshire Seventh-day Adventist Church. Now in its ninth year, the programme continues to support Bermuda’s efforts to strengthen food security, improve health outcomes, and promote community resilience.

The Hon. Kim Wilson, JP, MP, Minister of Health, stated, “We are pleased to celebrate the accomplishments of this year’s graduates. Grow Eat $ave empowers our residents to grow their own food, reduce grocery costs, and improve their health; offering a practical and positive solution at a time when many families are navigating the rising cost of food and challenges with accessing affordable, nutritious options.”

Since its launch in 2016, Grow Eat Save, an initiative of the Department of Health’s Nutrition Services, has flourished through strong partnerships with Chaplain Dr Kevin J.T. Santucci, volunteer team leaders, the Bermuda Agriculture Group, the Department of Parks, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. The programme continues to align with the Ministry’s vision of “Healthy People in Healthy Communities” by equipping participants with the knowledge and confidence to grow fresh produce at home.

Minister Wilson added, “this year’s outcomes reflect meaningful progress, noting that 69% of participants increased their fruit and vegetable intake to five or more servings per day, with a further 25% actively working toward that goal. These results contribute to the Ministry’s ongoing work to reduce the prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.”

“Beyond supporting healthier lifestyles, Grow Eat Save plays an important role in rebuilding social connections, encouraging environmental sustainability, and strengthening community unity.”

The Minister encouraged graduates to continue sharing their skills, stating that the programme’s ethos: “teach one, reach one,” remains vital to ensuring healthy, local, and affordable food is accessible to all Bermudians.”

For more information about the Grow Eat Save Programme, contact the Department of Health’s Nutrition Services at nutrition@gov.bm.