Pingelap Green Day and GO LOCAL

By Dr. Lois Englberger

The Pingelap community supported GO LOCAL in an active way on Saturday 20 September 2008, taking GO LOCAL as the theme for their 2008 Pingelap Green Day, held at the Botanical Garden in Kolonia from 10 am.

Local foods including giant swamp taro, banana, coconut and sugar cane were displayed and Karat bumper stickers and Be Happy- Eat a Banana Pencils were provided to participants.

On behalf of the board of directors of the Pingelap People Organization Incorporated, President Melner Isaac invited Dr. Lois Englberger of the Island Food Community of Pohnpei to be the guest speaker. She pointed out that a balanced diet of local foods helps a person to be healthy and feel happy.

Also she explained that many local island foods, including banana and giant swamp taro varieties, have been analyzed in laboratories around the world and that these varieties have attracted international attention due to their rich nutrient content. GOING LOCAL is especially good for protecting against disease because growing local food provides physical activity and good food, both needed for good health.

Over 100 participants took part in the activities, including a wide program of songs, handicrafts display, and games.