How To Support World Food Day
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2 months ago
The important day falls on 16 October
Farms around the world produce enough food to feed more than the global population, yet nearly one in 11 people go to bed hungry every night. Hunger is one of the biggest problems faced by our planet today, caused by issues like conflict, climate change and the pandemic. That’s why World Food Day was created, aiming to raise awareness about food inequality and safety – and spread information about ways we can help vulnerable people suffering from malnutrition.
World Food Day 2024: How To Get Involved
What Is World Food Day?
World Food Day takes place annually on 16 October. Its origins date back to 1945, when the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) was established as part of the United Nations, but the day was first celebrated as an official holiday in 1979. Today, it’s marked in 150 countries around the world, with a range of events taking place – all designed to promote awareness of hunger and inspire positive action for the future of food.
What Is The Theme For 2024?
Since 2014, the primary focus has been on eliminating poverty in rural areas, but each year there is a dedicated theme. This year’s theme is ‘right to foods for a better life and a better future’, focusing on highlighting the immediate and long-term benefits of prioritising safe access to nutritious, affordable food for everyone.
‘Over 2.8 billion people in the world are unable to afford a healthy diet,’ reads the FAO’s website. ‘Unhealthy diets are the leading cause of all forms of malnutrition – undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies and obesity, which now exist in most countries, cutting across socio-economic classes. Yet today, too many people suffer from hunger and are unable to afford healthy diets. More vulnerable people are often forced to rely on staple foods or less expensive foods that can be unhealthy, while others suffer from the unavailability of fresh or varied foods, lack the information they need to choose a healthy diet, or simply opt for convenience.’
The organisation is calling for a restructuring of our global agrifood systems – which are all the interconnected activities involved in our food cycle, from the production to the consumption and the disposal. ‘By transforming agrifood systems, there is great potential to mitigate climate change and support peaceful, resilient and inclusive livelihoods for all,’ it reads.
Previous themes have included:
- 2023: ‘Water is life, water is food’
- 2022: ‘Leave no one behind’
- 2021: ‘Safe food now for a healthy tomorrow’
- 2018: ‘Our actions are our future’
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How Can You Take Part?
Firstly, you can get involved by simply learning and listening. The flagship global ceremony takes place at 10am CET, with the Junior World Food Day School Assembly taking place on 17 October at 10am CET. You can tune into the live stream for both here. There are also plenty of resources online to learn about cutting food waste (we’ve got some top tips here).
The FAO is also encouraging people to help raise awareness online under the hashtag #WorldFoodDay. Many chefs and influencers are already doing so: figures including Fatmata Binta, Anahita Dhondy and Max Mariola, for instance, are promoting millets, an ancient grain which has plenty of benefits for the health of both people and the planet.
You can also use the World Food Day filter on TikTok or Instagram to share a food action online, inspiring others to get involved, and share assets such as videos, posters and GIFs.
If you want to do something bigger, you could organise a charity event, or volunteer – check out places like The Felix Project, FareShare and City Harvest. Alternatively, this is a good opportunity to donate to your local food bank.
Find out more at fao.org
