Non-GMO Project: Trinidadian Entrepreneur Brings Caribbean Favorites to Frozen Foods, Earns Non-GMO Project Verification

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Oct 15, 2026, 08:52 ET

Calypso Harvest earns verification for three products as the program helping underrepresented food entrepreneurs expands to include Non-UPF Verified.

BELLINGHAM, Wash., Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Trinidadian entrepreneur Natalia J. Kalloo is bringing the foods she grew up with to more kitchens across the country. Her brand, Calypso Harvest, has earned Non-GMO Project verification for three Caribbean-inspired frozen foods with funding from the Non-GMO Project's Equitable Transfer Program (ETP), which expands access to independent verification for food brands led by Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC).

“For us, Non-GMO Project verification is about more than putting a label on a package,” said Natalia J. Kalloo, founder of Calypso Harvest. “It is about creating greater transparency around the foods we stand behind, strengthening trust with our customers, and showing that small, underrepresented food businesses can pursue rigorous standards while honoring the foods and traditions that are important to our communities."

The Verified foods are Dhalpuri Roti, a soft flatbread filled with seasoned split peas; Bussupshut (Paratha Roti), a flaky, layered flatbread; and Trinidad Doubles, a street-food favorite made with curried chickpeas and soft bara flatbread.

Bringing Trinidadian flavors to more tables

Kalloo began selling handcrafted spice blends at local farmers markets in Washington, D.C. in 2019 through the brand Trini Vybez, then expanded into a food truck and restaurant. Through Calypso Harvest, she is now bringing traditional Trinidadian dishes to the frozen food aisle while investing in opportunities for her community.

In 2025, Kalloo founded Victual Solutions, a nonprofit focused on expanding food access and creating economic opportunity, particularly in Ward 7. Its plans include a community farmers market and other programs to make fresh food more affordable.

"For us, Non-GMO Project verification is about more than putting a label on a package," said Natalia J. Kalloo, founder of Victual Solutions. "It is about creating greater transparency around the foods we stand behind, strengthening trust with our customers, and showing that small, underrepresented food businesses can pursue rigorous standards while honoring the foods and traditions that are important to our communities. Through Calypso Harvest, we are also committed to reinvesting our growth back into communities experiencing food access challenges, particularly in Ward 7. Having our Dhalpuri Roti, Bussupshut (Paratha Roti), and Trinidad Doubles Verified is an important milestone in that work."

Making independent verification more accessible

Launched in 2023, the Non-GMO Project's ETP helps make independent, third-party verification more accessible by addressing the costs and other barriers that smaller food businesses face. Since its launch, the program has awarded more than $46,000 to 21 businesses, helping 41 products achieve verification. Calypso Harvest is the first ETP recipient offering Trinidadian or Caribbean frozen foods.

ETP has also expanded to include Non-UPF Verified, the nonprofit organization's newer certification program, which evaluates ingredients, formulation and how foods are made. Eligible businesses can now apply for funding toward either Non-GMO Project Verified or Non-UPF Verified.

Applications for the current round are open through November 13, 2026, at nongmoproject.org/equitable-transfer-program.

"A better food system needs more voices, more traditions and more people shaping its future," said Megan Westgate, founder and CEO of the Non-GMO Project. "Natalia brings all of that to the table. She's building a business rooted in her heritage while creating opportunities for other entrepreneurs and investing in her community. That's exactly the kind of leadership we want to champion. Our Equitable Transfer Program is about opening doors so more businesses can participate, compete and thrive."

Free workshop for food entrepreneurs on October 22

As part of Non-GMO Month, the Non-GMO Project, Victual Solutions and East Capitol Urban Farm will host a free virtual workshop on Thursday, October 22, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. ET. Food vendors, growers and sellers can learn how Non-GMO Project verification works, what documentation is required and how to get started. Participants will also have an opportunity to ask questions.

About Calypso Harvest
Calypso Harvest is a Caribbean-inspired frozen food brand developed through Victual Solutions, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit founded by Natalia J. Kalloo. Rooted in Trinidadian culinary traditions, the brand supports a mission of expanding food access and economic opportunity, particularly in Ward 7. Learn more at victualsolutions.org.

About the Non-GMO Project
The Non-GMO Project is a mission-driven nonprofit working to build a food system rooted in integrity, trust and informed choice. Its two verification programs are Non-GMO Project Verified, represented by the Butterfly label, and Non-UPF Verified, which addresses ingredient integrity, formulation and processing methods. Its work also includes the Food Integrity Collective, a collaborative initiative connecting food, agriculture, people and the planet. Together, these efforts advance equity, access to nourishing food and informed choice. Learn more at nongmoproject.org, nonultraprocessed.org and foodintegritycollective.org.

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SOURCE Non-GMO Project