Jamaica to plant 5,000 breadfruit trees at schools to help boost feeding program for students

KINGSTON, Jamaica _ Roughly 5,000 breadfruit trees are expected to be planted on school properties across Jamaica to help fight hunger and boost feeding programs for students.

The government’s information service said Sunday that the breadfruit trees will be distributed to Jamaican schools over the next six months. Officials recently launched the program at schools in the northern parish of St. Ann, which includes the tourist town of Ocho Rios.

Education Minister Ronald Thwaites says the breadfruit program coincides with a revamped school feeding initiative to provide some 200,000 youngsters with breakfast and lunch.

Breadfruit is a popular staple in Jamaica and other tropical countries. The high-yielding trees grow easily and require little attention. Its starchy fruit has a doughy texture that is rich in nutrients.

The Associated Press

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