Food is our common ground. I mean, think about it. Without food, where would we be? Certainly not at Starbucks, restaurants, or grocery stores. In fact, we wouldn’t be anywhere for very long, because to live we need food. Food is a basic human right, and yet one in every nine people worldwide experiences chronic hunger. Food is a universal experience and that’s why on October 16 of every year, we celebrate World Food Day in appreciation of the amazing food we eat, and also to address global hunger and strive for its eradication across the world. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) was founded in 1945 and since then, United Nations recognize food as a right, and no longer a privilege. That’s why they established World Food Day in November 1979 at FAO’s 20th Conference and it has since been observed annually on October 16.
The observance of World Food Day draws attention to the predicament of the hungry. Many other organizations that are concerned with food security and hunger eradication widely celebrate the day, including the World Food Programme (WFP) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development. Every year, events ranging from hunger marches and marathons to exhibitions, contests, cultural performances, and concerts are organized in over 150 countries around the world in celebration of World Food Day. Many events are even going digital. So, join us today in eradicating hunger.
The Theme of World Food Day 2021
This year’s World Food Day theme is “Safe food now for a healthy tomorrow”. World Food Day 2021 be will be the first-ever International Day to be celebrated at Expo Dubai. This is because a series of events and activities call for global unity in rethinking and reshaping the world’s food systems. A site-wide commemoration will bring together Expo’s family of visitors and stakeholders in dedication to building forward better. Expo 2020 Dubai will commence on 1st October 2021 through 31st March 2022 with the theme “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”.
Significance of World Food Day 2021
- It helps in raising awareness
This day raises awareness regarding the issues behind hunger and poverty, hence drawing attention to the plight of the millions of people suffering from hunger. This helps address the health consequences of malnourishment, hence ensuring food security and global access to nutritious food.
- It reminds us that hunger can be ended
Despite our planet producing adequate food to feed everyone on it, 1.3 billion tons of food is wasted or lost every year (that’s about 20% of all the food produced). World Food Day helps advocate for a reduction in food waste, and the provision of sustenance for millions of people.
- It advocates for mindful eating
As much as food provides great entertainment and pleasure, sometimes we can overindulge. Mindful eating can reduce the amount of wasted food and the number of people sleeping hungry. World Food Day reminds us to avoid overeating and to make ecologically sustainable choices.
The collective action of 150 countries is what makes this special day one of the most celebrated holidays of the UN calendar. Hundreds of events unite businesses, NGOs, governments, the media, and the general public. These outreach activities promote global awareness and action for the people who suffer from hunger and for the importance of ensuring healthy diets for all.
On this World Food Day, get involved by giving to a local food bank, shopping locally to support small-scale farms, or raising money to eradicate hunger through food drives that include hunger walks, food packaging rallies, or World Food Day dinners. Let’s all get involved and end global hunger! As they say, there is no sincerer love than the love of food, and the people who give you their food, give you their heart.
