FSM GCF Food Security Project Highlights Community Engagement and Food Preservation Training in Yap

Wednesday, October 28, 2026 /// DYCA PIO

Yap FM - The FSM Green Climate Fund (GCF) Food Security Project (SAP020) shared highlights earlier today, October 28th, on its recent activities with the Thabeth Community in Yap, showcasing efforts to strengthen community participation, promote sustainable agriculture, and improve local food preservation practices. The activities, held on October 10 and 18, 2026, focused on reviewing project progress, advancing community-led agricultural initiatives, and providing hands-on training in food processing and preservation.

On October 10, the project team met with the Thabeth Community to review ongoing activities and discuss plans for the remaining implementation period. During the meeting, the State Coordinator provided updates on project progress and emphasized the importance of continued community participation in completing the project site.

Community members shared updates on their contributions, including the men's group working on nursery construction and the women's group supporting gardening activities and site maintenance. Discussions also focused on selecting additional crops for the nursery to diversify local food production and strengthen the community's agricultural activities.

The team also discussed plans for Food Processing, Preservation, and Packaging (Food 3P's) training to equip community members with practical skills to make better use of locally available food resources.

Building on these efforts, the FSM Food Security Project conducted a Food 3Ps training with the Thabeth Community on October 18 at the Thabeth Community Meeting House. The training focused on banana, a staple crop, and introduced participants to food-drying methods to preserve locally grown produce and extend its usability.

The session was led by Jeffrey F. of the College of Micronesia–FSM Cooperative Research and Extension (COM-FSM CRE) and community lead trainer Debina Rungun, with support from State Coordinator Mercedes Tiningmow and Components 2 and 3 Coordinator Jay Garmangeg.

Through this hands-on training, participants had the opportunity to learn practical food-processing and preservation techniques using local crops. These methods can help communities reduce food waste, make better use of agricultural resources, and improve local food security.

Through continued collaboration, community involvement, and practical agricultural training, the GCF SAP020 Project aims to promote sustainable farming practices, strengthen local food systems, and build greater food security and resilience in Yap.

(For more information, please visit www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100080097877275. )