Every year on 16th October, the world unites to celebrate World Food Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about global hunger and promoting actions to ensure food security and nutritious diets for all. This year, the theme is “Right to Foods for a Better Life and a Better Future”, emphasising the importance of diversity, nutrition, affordability, and safety in our food systems.
Why World Food Day matters
World Food Day is more than just a date on the calendar; it’s a call to action. With over 600 million people falling ill annually due to contaminated food and millions more suffering from hunger and malnutrition, the need for safe, nutritious, and accessible food has never been more critical1. This day serves as a reminder that food is a fundamental human right, and everyone deserves access to healthy and sustainable food sources.
The 2024 theme: A focus on diversity and nutrition
This year’s theme highlights the need for a greater variety of nutritious foods in our fields, markets, and on our tables. It calls for a food system that supports the health and well-being of all people, regardless of their socio-economic status. By promoting diverse diets and sustainable agricultural practices, we can ensure that everyone has the opportunity to lead a healthy life.
The Community Revolution’s work on nutrition and food diversity
Our Moringa Initiative, developed in partnership with the Ghana Permaculture Institute, is a food system development initiative that advocates for the adoption of sustainable, and regenerative, agriculture practices for the benefit of rural communities and smallholder farmers.
The initiative aims to build local value chains that add value to the raw produce of the miracle tree moringa.
Key beneficiaries identified for the initiative include pregnant women, mothers of breastfeeding children and children at risk of malnutrition and stunted growth. A nutritious diet helps improve educational outcomes.
You can find out more about the nutritional benefits of moringa in our blog series on the health benefits of moringa.
Follow us to keep up-to-date with our work on the moringa initiative.
How you can get involved
There are numerous ways to participate in World Food Day and make a difference:
- Spread the word: Use social media to raise awareness about World Food Day. Share facts, stories, and resources using the hashtag #WorldFoodDay.
- Host events: Organise food tastings, cooking demonstrations, or roundtable discussions in your community to highlight the importance of nutritious and diverse diets.
- Support local farmers: Buy locally-produced foods to support smallholder farmers who play a crucial role in our food systems.
- Educate and advocate: Teach others about the importance of food safety, nutrition, and sustainable practices. Advocate for policies that support food security and the right to food.
Join the global celebration
The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) is hosting several events to mark World Food Day, including a global ceremony and the Junior World Food Day School Assembly. These events aim to engage people of all ages in the fight against hunger and malnutrition.
By coming together on World Food Day, we can create a future where everyone has access to the food they need to thrive. Let’s celebrate this day by acting and making a difference in our communities and beyond.
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