By Sheree Folkes, a Registered Nutritionist (ANutr) and the GACD Administration and Events Officer
First celebrated on 16 October 1981, World Food Day was established to commemorate the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 1945. Since then, it has become one of the most celebrated days of the UN calendar with over 150 countries participating to raise awareness of food poverty and hunger.
This year the theme is Leave no one behind as a response to the multiple challenges the world is currently facing – a global pandemic, conflict, a climate crisis, unstable economies, and rising prices. All of these issues are having a detrimental effect on food security leaving millions of people at risk of malnutrition and hunger.
Further, communities already living with uncertainty and facing vulnerability – such as those in rural settings and marginalised, Indigenous communities – are left even more exposed to the adverse effects of global challenges.
So, every year there is a call to action with high level UN and ministerial meetings, and government- and non-government organisations, businesses, media, and the general public getting involved in hundreds of events, sponsored races, and school projects. In support of the campaign this year, Niagara Falls will be illuminated blue for 15 minutes – a clearly spectacular World Food Day event. But while all of this does increase awareness, and has done so since 1981, it raises a question: why do an estimated 829 million people still go hungry every day?
There are a multitude of reasons, but could one of the solutions be that World Food Day is not just for one day a year but in our actions every day?
The plight of the most vulnerable needs to be at the forefront of our minds in our workplaces…
…as researchers and scientists, as they seek innovative, sustainable solutions that are culturally appropriate.
…as government agencies and policymakers, as they create agrifood systems that are resilient to global forces and inclusive.
…and each one of us at home as we do what we can to combat climate change and reduce food waste.
No one deserves to live a life of hunger or food insecurity or to be at risk of non-communicable diseases through not having access to nutritious food. We all need to work together and play a part in creating a sustainable, food secure world where no one is left behind. As stated by the FAO, “we must all be the change”.
More information
To see GACD projects which are working towards improved nutrition and health outcomes particularly in low- and middle-income countries, visit the project page on the GACD website.
Read the GACD blog on obesity, the food environment, and urbanisation.
For further information on World Food Day activities and information about how to participate, visit the FAO website or attend the FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific’s online event on 17 October.
For further information on food security see The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2021, a joint report by WHO and FAO