The inaugural Barbados School Nutrition Policy Recognition (BSNP) Awards will take place on December 7th, marking a landmark moment in Barbados’ national commitment to the health, well-being, and future of its children.
This prestigious national initiative, which aligns directly with Pillar Six of the Barbados School Nutrition Policy (BSNP), will celebrate schools across Barbados for their efforts to create healthier food environments under the Policy, which was launched in 2023. It will honour the educators, students, canteen concessionaires, and wider school communities whose dedication is helping to transform schools into healthy spaces.
The Ministry of Education Transformation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Barbados, the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), and other key health-sector partners, officially launched the School Nutrition Policy Recognition Awards on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the Ministry of Education Transformation Conference Room. The Awards come at a critical moment in Barbados’ ongoing fight against childhood obesity.
Earlier this year, the Barbados Childhood Obesity Prevention Coalition, citing the World Health Organisation, reported that 42 percent of children in Barbados are now overweight or obese, up from 31 percent in 2017. This concerning trend underscores the urgent need for sustained prevention efforts through healthier school environments.
This year’s Awards will recognise schools across Barbados that are making measurable progress in implementing the School Nutrition Policy, with a focus on two Main Pillars of the Policy: creating healthier food environments, and the promotion of physical activity outside of competitive sports. Under these Two Policy Pillars, the Awards seek to recognise schools, teachers, PTAs, canteen concessionaires and organisations that have been demonstrating leadership, compliance and commitment to creating healthier environments for students.
Minister of Educational Transformation, Hon. Chad Blackman, said, “The health and nutrition of our children is of the utmost importance. It is central to their ability to learn, thrive, and realise their full potential, now and into the future. The National School Nutrition Policy Recognition Awards represent more than a celebration of excellence; they reaffirm our collective commitment to ensuring that every child has access to healthier environments that support lifelong well-being. At a time when childhood obesity continues to pose a significant challenge, we must remain steadfast in our advocacy for improved nutrition, physical activity, and positive health habits in our schools. By recognizing those who are leading this important work, we are strengthening a national movement that places the health of our children at the centre of education and nation-building. Together, we are creating a culture where healthy choices become the easy choices, helping to secure a stronger, healthier future for Barbados.”
Call for Submissions
Schools across Barbados are invited to submit school activities, individual teachers, Parent-Teacher Associations, canteen concessionaires/vendors, or organisations that have supported or promoted healthy school environments during the 2025 and 2026 school years.
These Awards celebrate the everyday commitment, creativity, and care that help build healthier futures for Barbados’ children.
The categories for this year’s Awards are:
• Nutrition Compliance — including the promotion of healthy eating and drinking, and compliance with the official Alternative Snacks and Beverage List provided by the Ministry of Educational Transformation.
• Activities to Promote Healthy Lifestyles
• The Promotion of Increased Water Consumption — including Water Wednesday activities.
• Healthy Fundraising Activities and Innovations.
• The Promotion of Physical Activity — apart from competitive sports.
• Teacher or Student-led Innovations to Increase Physical Activity — including participation in the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Barbados’ Five-Minute Movement Break Challenge or other national events.
Recognition is a key tool for effective policy implementation. By celebrating schools leading change, the Awards reinforce accountability and provide an incentive for schools to move beyond policy compliance toward meaningful, sustained improvements in children’s health and well-being.
Minister of Health and Wellness, Senator Lisa Cummins, celebrated the two Ministries’ collaboration on the School Nutrition Policy, stating, “We are looking forward to the Award event in December, which rewards various leaders in schools who have taken the lead on the Barbados School Nutrition Policy: principals, teachers, canteen concessionaires and the private sector vendors who are making conscious decisions on how we are going to implement the Barbados National School Nutrition Policy”. Addressing the ongoing NCD crisis, she remarked that the Ministry of Health estimates it spends $17.2 million of its annual budget on managing chronic NCDs. She explained, “Therefore, it is in our interests as a nation, as a school community, and as the Ministry of Health, to be able to intervene early, and that begins for us with our school nutrition policy.”
The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, November 11th, 2026. Schools will receive an invitation from the Ministry of Education Transformation to make their submissions. Interested Schools can also contact the Education Officer responsible for the School Nutrition Policy, Mrs. Nicole Elliott.
Media Contact:
Mrs. Stacia Mascoll
Communications Officer
Childhood Obesity Prevention of the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Barbados
Email: Communicationsofficer@hsfbarbados.com