The need and love for good food unite the world without any exceptions. Unfortunately, the availability of nutritious food is not a given to all and people suffer from hunger and malnutrition around the world.
To combat this issue World Food Day is celebrated every year on the 16th of October across 150 countries. The objective behind this day is simple- providing good food to everyone.
History and Significance of World Food Day
On the 16th of October, the Food and Agriculture Organization was established by the UN in 1945. In November 1979, the former Hungarian Minister of Agriculture and Food Dr Pal Romany proposed to initiate an annual World Food Day to memorialize the date of 16th October. The first celebration took place the following year.
This day aims to bring food to every plate and eliminate hunger. More than 150 countries have been collectively working towards this objective. The government issues schemes on a national scale to prevent the suffering caused by the unavailability or reduced quality of food. Other organizations (NGOs, Institutions) spread awareness and locally reach the underprivileged people.
World Food Day 2021 Theme:
Specific areas of the problem are highlighted by setting a theme every year. For World Food Day 2021 the theme is Our Actions are our future. Better production, better nutrition, a better environment and better life.
How to Celebrate World Food Day
There are numerous activities taking place around the world on the 16th of October- awareness programmes, food distribution and donation drives, and other volunteering work. Here are some ways you can celebrate this day.
Be a Part of the Action
On this #WorldFoodDay, pledge to eat safe, reduce food wastage and become a #FoodHero. Together, let’s work towards creating a better and healthier tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/MRmWdNxf2r
— MyGovIndia (@mygovindia) October 16, 2021
You can join another event or initiate your own if you are a part of an institution. The FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) provides a lot of material and ideas to make it easier for people to contribute to the global cause. You can volunteer for an NGO, join a rally, start a webinar, or organize other awareness activities.
Join the #WorldFoodDay Community
Today is #WorldFoodDay! Our food choices have an impact on 👇
🌱 food production
🍎 our nutrition
🌎 the environment
👨👨👧👦 our livesWe can all be #FoodHeroes, for a better and more sustainable world!
Our actions are our future! pic.twitter.com/EvQlo4nc7L
— Food and Agriculture Organization (@FAO) October 16, 2021
Social media is the best platform to start a campaign these days. So awaken the foodie influencer within you and get started! You can use the free material provided by the FAO to spread awareness not only about the vitality of nutritious food but also our #FoodHeroes- everyone who played a role in bringing food to our plates. Address issues, collaborate with NGOs, share recipes, and encourage others to do the same.
Today and every day we celebrate our #FoodHeroes, the people that keep our agri-#FoodSystems working!
👩🌾Farmer
🚛Food transporter
🏭Factory Worker
🛒Grocer
👨🍳Cook
👩👩👦👦Family members
👩🦰Your best friend
👨YouWho are your food heroes?#WorldFoodDay pic.twitter.com/vuTEHJx4TJ
— Food and Agriculture Organization (@FAO) October 16, 2021
Learn More to Teach More
If you think you lack the knowledge and effort to tell others about World Food Day then take this day as an opportunity to learn. Read reports about hunger and its effects around the world, look up government schemes, and research about the potential changes required in the food production or distribution system of our country. Strengthen your foundation to motivate other people.
A Laid-back Foodie Day
Need a break from all the struggles? Take it now. It’s okay to prioritize yourself from time to time. Celebrate this World Food Day to treat yourself to your favourite cuisine in a fancy restaurant or order something healthy to reach your doorsteps. Try a new recipe or explore a new café.
Remember that every day must be a World Food Day. Feed the hungry whenever you can, and never waste food. Don’t limit your contribution to a single day, and be a #FoodHero yourself!