In collaboration with Humanis and DBS Foundation, Alfa Omega Foundation (YAO) Strengthens Food Security and Nutrition for 8,000 Farmers in Flores through the FEAST Project

FLORES, NTT – The Alfa Omega Foundation (YAO) continues to strengthen its commitment to addressing food insecurity and stunting in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). Through strategic collaboration in the FEAST (Flores Empowerment for Agricultural Sustainability and Transformation) project, YAO is now assisting thousands of farming families in Flores to cope with the impacts of climate change through local food diversification and nutrition education.

This project, supported by the DBS Foundation and Humanis (Humanis and Social Innovation Foundation), targets 28,040 beneficiaries, including 8,000 farmers (with a minimum of 50% women) spread across the Flores region.

YAO's Strategic Role: From Farm to Table In this consortium coordinated by ASPPUK, YAO plays a vital role in the food diversification and family nutrition component. YAO Director Marten Malo explained that YAO's main focus is ensuring that agricultural produce is not only sold but also consumed to improve the nutritional status of farming families.

"The challenge in Flores is not just about producing food crops, but how to cope with unpredictable weather and ensure our children do not experience stunting. Through FEAST, we are encouraging the community to rediscover their love for nutritious local food," said [Emmy].

Real Intervention in the Field Entering its first year of implementation (2025-2026), YAO has been and is currently carrying out several key activities: "Nutrition Education" & "Food Diary" Training 40 Village Champions (village cadres) to monitor the eating patterns of farming families through food diaries.

Local Recipe Development: Research and compilation of a recipe book based on local foods to restore affordable healthy menus for rural communities.

Local Food Festival: Preparation of a local food promotion event to raise public awareness of the importance of diversifying consumption.

Responding to the Climate Crisis and Stunting Data shows that the level of food insecurity in NTT has reached 21.5%, far above the national average.

This condition is exacerbated by changes in rainfall patterns that threaten rice and corn harvests.

The FEAST programme is an integrative solution that combines climate-smart agriculture with improving eating habits at the household level.

"We believe that food security begins with what is on the dinner plate at home. By empowering women farmers to process diverse local foods, we are building the foundation for the health of future generations in Flores," concluded [Marten].