George Town, Cayman Islands – July 2024 – The Department of Agriculture under the Ministry of
Planning, Agriculture, Housing, Infrastructure, Transport, and Development (PAHITD), in partnership
with Resilience Cayman, is excited to announce the launch of the EggsUp programme. This 3-month
pilot initiative aims to support Caymanian families with children by providing fresh local eggs, began
July 21st to coincide with the summer break.

The EggsUp programme is made possible by the Ministry and the Department of Agriculture through
the NEST programme, a significant component of the Cayman Islands National Food Security
Programme (CINFSP). Eligible families will be able to receive up to two trays of fresh local eggs per
week, donated by the innovative NEST initiative.

The Honourable Minister of Planning, Agriculture, Housing, Infrastructure, Transport, and
Development stated, “We are proud to support the EggsUp programme, which aligns with our
commitment to enhancing food security and supporting local agriculture. By collaborating with
Resilience Cayman, we aim to provide vital assistance to families during these challenging times,
especially as the cost of fresh food continues to rise.”

Daniel Palcu, National Egg Strategy (NEST) Officer, added, “We are delighted to partner with
Resilience Cayman on this initiative. Fresh local eggs provide high-quality protein and essential
nutrients, supporting both local farmers and reducing our carbon footprint. This programme not only
promotes local poultry farming but also helps alleviate some of the financial pressures faced by
families in our community.”

Jan Gupta, Director of Resilience Cayman, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, saying,
“Following the success of our previous food assistance programmes, which supported over 4,000
families during and after COVID, we are thrilled to continue our mission with the EggsUp initiative. This collaboration is crucial in helping families manage food inflation and ensuring access to nutritious
food.”

The collaborative efforts of the Department of Agriculture, the Ministry of PAHITD, and Resilience
Cayman reflect a shared commitment to community well-being and food security. The EggsUp
programme aims to address these challenges by providing nutritious, Caymanian-certified eggs to
those in need.

For more information about the EggsUp programme, please visit www.resilience.ky or
http://Doa.gov.ky

About the NEST Programme
The National Egg Strategy (NEST) programme is an innovative initiative led by the Department of
Agriculture under the Ministry of Planning, Agriculture, Housing, Infrastructure, Transport, and
Development (PAHITD). NEST aims to bolster local food security by promoting the production and
consumption of fresh, high-quality local eggs. By supporting local poultry farmers, the programme
helps reduce the Cayman Islands’ reliance on imported eggs, lowers the carbon footprint associated
with food transportation, and provides nutritious options for families in the community. NEST is a key
component of the Cayman Islands National Food Security Programme (CINFSP), dedicated to
ensuring sustainable and resilient food systems.

About the Department of Agriculture
The Department of Agriculture, a vital branch of the Ministry of PAHITD, is committed to advancing
agricultural practices and policies in the Cayman Islands. The department’s mission includes
enhancing local food production, supporting agricultural businesses, and implementing strategies that
ensure food security and safety. Through various initiatives, including the NEST programme, the
Department of Agriculture strives to promote sustainable farming, provide technical assistance to
farmers, and improve the overall agricultural landscape of the Cayman Islands.

About the Ministry of Planning, Agriculture, Housing, Infrastructure, Transport, and
Development (PAHITD)
The Ministry of Planning, Agriculture, Housing, Infrastructure, Transport, and Development (PAHITD)
plays a pivotal role in shaping the growth and development of the Cayman Islands. The Ministry
oversees a wide range of sectors, including urban planning, agricultural development, housing,
infrastructure, and transportation. Its mission is to create sustainable and resilient communities
through comprehensive planning and development strategies. By supporting initiatives like the NEST
programme and collaborating with local organizations such as Resilience Cayman, the Ministry of
PAHITD is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all residents of the Cayman Islands.

About Resilience Cayman
Resilience Cayman is a community-driven non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the well-
being and resilience of Caymanian families. Established in response to the COVID-19 pandemic,
Resilience Cayman has developed and implemented a variety of programs designed to support
families facing financial hardship, food insecurity, and other socio-economic challenges. Through
initiatives such as food vouchers, hot meals programs, and now the EggsUp programme, Resilience
Cayman works tirelessly to provide essential resources and support to those in need. The
organization collaborates with government bodies, local businesses, and other non-profits to foster a
supportive and resilient community. Resilience Cayman is committed to creating sustainable solutions
that empower individuals and families to thrive in the face of adversity. For more information, please
visit www.resilience.ky.