US Virgin Islands Sustainability Project

Supporting Mindful Eating in the U.S. Virgin Islands

In 2022, BCAGlobal was awarded a grant by the NIH and the Network of the National Library of Medicine to develop and implement a mindful eating program in the US Virgin Islands. We collaborated with the University of the Virgin Islands and Sejah Farms, a sustainable teaching farm, to develop community training materials and workshops to improve local agricultural models, health and nutritional literacy. The course covered a variety of topics, including waste reduction, organic agriculture, soil health, and nutrition, and graduated over 25 students.

Ending Food Insecurity and Improving Health in the Virgin Islands

The U.S. Virgin Islands face a food and health crisis. Nearly 97% of food is imported and the high cost of living makes fresh, locally grown produce unaffordable for many families. This has led to alarming rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease — all leading causes of death in the region.

By supporting the Mindful Eating for the Beloved Community (MEBC) initiative, you can help reduce food insecurity, improve community health and build a sustainable food system for future generations.

What Is the Mindful Eating for the Beloved Community Initiative?

Launched in 2022 by BCA Global with support from the Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM), MEBC initiative empowers Virgin Islands communities to adopt healthier, more sustainable food practices.

Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of the Beloved Community, the program ensures equitable access to healthy food and helps eliminate hunger and poverty through education, farming, and mindful eating.

Our Impact in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Youth Training & Health Ambassadors – 32 student leaders trained through the University of the Virgin Islands’ 4-H “Healthy Habits” program, now reaching over 2,700 children with lessons on nutrition and healthy eating.

  • Cooking Workshops & Mindful Meals – Families learned to prepare healthier versions of cultural dishes using local ingredients, such as baked cookies, plant- based soups, and low-carb vegetable wraps.
  • Sustainable Farming Education – In partnership with Sejah Farms, more than 25 residents graduated from courses in organic farming, soil health, waste reduction, and nutrition — strengthening local food security.
  • A Replicable Model for Change – Developed a  that integrates health, farming, and nutrition education, designed to be scaled across the Virgin Islands and beyond.

Why Your Donation Matters

When you donate to BCA Global, you:

  • Support us continuing our mindful eating initiatives in other communities
  • Create healthier communities and families by increasing access to nutritious
    meals
  • Train youth ambassadors to create a healthier future for their communities
  • Support sustainable farming initiatives that reduce reliance on imported foods.

Be Part of the Solution

The MEBC initiative is proof that communities can come together to improve regional health and food security through sustainable farming. But the work is just beginning — and with your help, we can expand our MEBC initiative’s reach to additional communities.

DONATE