Growing Nutritious Food, Self-Reliance and Unity in Tonga

Residents of the village of Vietongo are working with the Tongan Government and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to turn 280 acres of community land into family vegetable gardens.

Kent and Charmain Murdock, Latter-day Saint missionaries, are spearheading the project.

Each family is allotted enough land to grow their personal garden. The Murdocks assist them in planting gardens that will provide better nutrition and extra income for their families.  The Ministry of Health will instruct them on planting healthy vegetables.  

The project will help around 150 families from the Vietongo village and three other communities to increase self-reliance, improve diets and provide opportunities for exercise, training, home storage and self-employment.

Four acres will be set aside and used for a “community storehouse” to assist other families and individuals in need.  They will be required to work the land and harvest produce when food is needed.  This will also provide readiness for natural disasters.

As part of this project, one acre will be planted with manioke that will be harvested and shipped to New Zealand.  Self-reliance missionaries will then instruct the families on budgeting the proceeds and saving for next season's crop.  

According to Elder Murdock, “The first phase of the project has begun. Out of 52 acres, 30 acres are started and 12 have been planted.”

“This community is amazing,” said Sister Murdock. “They are pulling together for the good of the people. It is wonderful to see!”

Vietongo is the first community to take part in this program. Other local communities have approached the Tonga Food Initiative Committee with requests to participate in this project.