World Food Day is celebrated on the 16th of October every year, and this is an important day to discuss food equity. World Food Day discusses important issues like food waste, overfarming, malnutrition, deficiencies, etc. Let’s take a closer look at why this day is important.
More than 2.8 billion people in the world can't afford to eat well. All types of malnutrition, including undernutrition, vitamin deficits, and fat, are mostly caused by bad foods. These problems happen in most countries and affect people of all income levels. Still, there are too many hungry people in the world today who can't buy good food. Limited access to food often means people have to eat poor basic foods or cheaper foods that aren't very good for them. Other people can't get fresh or different foods, don't know how to choose a healthy diet, or just choose foods that are easy to get. When there are long-lasting disasters caused by things like war, bad weather, and sudden changes in the economy, hunger and malnutrition get even worse. Agrifood systems as a whole are subject to crises and disasters, especially those caused by climate change. At the same time, they pollute the air, water, and land, release greenhouse gases, and cause species to go extinct. It is possible to slow down climate change and help everyone live a happy, secure, and open life by changing agrifood systems.
What happens on World Food Day?
World Food Day is one of the most praised days on the UN calendar because people in up to 50 languages work together in 150 countries around the world. There are hundreds of events and social activities that bring together companies, CSOs, governments, the public, and even young people. They work to raise knowledge about hunger around the world and get people to take action for the future of food, people, and the planet.
The theme for World Food Day 2024
The theme for World Food Day 2024 is Right to Foods for a Better Life and a Better Future. The world grows enough food to feed everyone. After air and water, food is the third most basic human need. It is also a basic human right under the UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights and two legally binding international agreements. Still, 10% of the world's population still goes hungry. Also, just being able to get something isn't enough. The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) says that everyone should have the right to a varied, healthy food that is cheap, easy to get, and safe.
How do you locally ensure food equity in your surroundings?
Here are three ways in which you can celebrate this year’s theme of World Food Day-
Help out at a community garden or farm near you
Help is always welcome on small farms! Working as a volunteer on a farm is a hands-on way to help with day-to-day tasks and the production of local foods. You can meet other people who are committed to helping their local food community and get advice on how to take care of farm animals or pick different fruits and veggies.
Buy what's in season
It's good for your local food chain to buy fruits and veggies that are in season. Fruits and vegetables that are in season are likely to be healthier because they come from local farms and don't have to travel as far. When you buy food that is in season, you respect the natural limits of the seasons!
Buy directly from farmers in your area
If you want to help your local food system, you should always buy from a farmer. A great choice is always going to the farmers market. If you want to take it a step further, you can join community gardens or farms. This is a way for customers and farmers to work together to make money. It involves a group of people promising to support a farm.