Ital Food fest a hit

The second edition of the Ital Food Festival was deemed a resounding success by head organiser Empress Carissa.

“I can confidently say the nation is seeking more knowledge on alternative, healthier and life-giving options, and a plant-rich life is undoubtedly a vital option and our natural livity,” she said after a well-attended event at Scouts Headquarters in St Ann’s on April 6.

The total-vegan food fest featured an array of scrumptious ital culinary cuisines from chefs and home cooks, various forms of art and craft from local creatives, a variety of chocolate and cocoa by-products, honey, short and long-term crops for sale, rich blends of natural, plant-based juices and even some exotic local animals on display.

From 10 am-6 pm, patrons enjoyed visiting the multiple booths set up and were entertained by a cultured cast of DJs and local reggae singers, who capped off the food fest with musical entertainment.

Additionally, US-based NGO Rethink Your Food, headed by Liz Ross, was also on-hand to share knowledge to patrons who sought information on healthier eating options.

The booths featured indigenous herbal healing by Cristo Adonis from Santa Rosa First Peoples Community, composting demonstrations by Sian Cuffy-Young of Siel Environment and a wellness area, which featured chair and foot massages, acupressure, yoga sessions, body stretching and myofacial release by Abigail's Art Massage.

“People enjoyed the creatively-prepared plant food offerings and the various other elements offered, like the live performances,” Empress Carissa said.

“The educational component was an important part of this event, linking the grassroots movement with the broader public awareness and empowering communities with knowledge about sustainable living and food choices, connecting nature with our daily activities.”

This year’s event was much larger than the initial hosting in 2024. Empress Carissa believes increased public engagement is a step in the right direction towards teaching people more about plant-based eating and a healthier lifestyle.

“It brought a great joy to see the families that came out together and I know that we connected with both the young and the old, planting seeds to shift from meat-centred meals to more climate-friendly options.

“Putting this event together was a lot of fun! The community and support was heartfelt and this is enough reward for my efforts. We need more local partnerships to have an even greater positive impact at IFF 2026.”

There was also a conservationist panel featuring Iya Akilah Jarimogi, Talya Mohammed, John Stollmeyer and Dan Jaggernauth.

On this year’s successful hosting, Empress Carissa reiterated, “The plant-powered movement in TT is growing.”

Even soca star Kees Dieffenthaller made a surprise appearance and performed several of his hits alongside local reggae stars Kushite, Jah Banton, John G, Black Loyalty and Verse Ital.

The vendors's participating were Ital is Vital TT, Taitu Ital Kitchen, Venny’s Ital Kitchen, Abe Dua Livity, Soap Shack, Ital Delights, Grak Mak’s Grated, Ice Ital TT, Tropical Dehydrates, Panorama Cacao, Higherz Rastaurant, Rivers Organic Goods, Ibu’s Health Bread, Ile Park, D Boss of Punch, Garden Oasis, HerbWai Honey, Karibbean Flavours, Hands of Buda, Stay Calm It’s a Plant, Hugz Cookies, Fine Art by the Daniels, Loud Lollies and a creative collaboration between All That and More Creatives and Mixed Things.

Sponsors included Mode Alive, Docucentre, AA Motors, Rethink Your Food and donations by Sweet Beet.