GO LOCAL signs promote healthy island food!

by Dr. Lois Englberger

Three new striking billboard signs are adorning the roads of Pohnpei as an innovative project by the Island Food Community of Pohnpei to promote local island foods and their many benefits: improved health, food security, culture, economic savings, and the environment.

Two signs are set up in Kolonia, one on the main road by Pohnpei State Hospital and one on the causeway near the airport, and one in Mand Village in Madolenihmw as a part of IFCP's project in that village focusing on increasing local food production and consumption and overall awareness of the relationship between diet, lifestyle, and health.

Some of the foods illustrated are particularly striking, as the pandanus, which is in the upper right hand corner, shining out in full glory like the sun! The Karat banana in the upper left hand corner with its erect bunch and red-skinned fruit is very noticeable. Breadfruit, coconut, taro and other foods are depicted symbolically to give an overall idea of island foods.

The artwork design shows a father working on the land and kneeling to plant a small seedling, with his young child at his side, showing the idea of teaching the new generation and passing on traditional knowledge and care of local foods, with the mother nearby involved in preparing food for eating.

The term GO LOCAL was coined some years ago by Bermin Weilbacher and was selected to be the written message on the sign as it refers both to local foods and local knowledge and culture, and is a well-known term in Pohnpei.

IFCP would like to thank all the people who have assisted in this project, firstly Nena Nena, FSM Secretary of Health, Education and Social Affairs, who provided the idea; Bermin Weilbacher for the GO LOCAL term; Wehns Billen for the concept and art design; and Pohnpei Arts and Craft for the painting, construction, and installment. Captain Benido of the Department of Public Safety is thanked for his time in approving the sites and ensuring of their road safety. A final thanks goes to the German Embassy based in Manila, Philippines, for funding this project.

We hope that the signs provide a reminder of the values of local foods, including the important messages related to healthy diet of local foods, healthy foods, and improved health!