A Ministry of Health scheme teaching residents how to grow their own food paid tribute to 43 graduates of the 2025 “Grow Eat $ave Gardening Programme”.

The programme, launched in 2016, is aimed at offering practical ways to cut grocery costs and improve dietary health.

Kim Wilson, the Minister of Health, told the gathering on November 13 that the programme offered “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”.

The scheme, which came from the Department of Health’s nutrition services, has flourished through partnerships with Kevin Santucci, volunteer team leaders, the Bermuda Agriculture Group, the Department of Parks and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Ms Wilson said that 69 per cent of 2025 participants had increased their fruit and vegetable intake to five or more servings per day, with a further 25 per cent working towards that goal.

The programme helps reduce the prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, and builds social and community connections while encouraging environmental sustainability.

• For further information, e-mail nutrition@gov.bm