What is World Food Day?
World Food Day is annually held on October 16 to commemorate the founding of the United Nations' (UN) Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The annual event aims to raise awareness for global hunger, and calls attention to other food-related issues such as supply chain and production issues, and the quality of conditions for livestock.
Background
Established by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the Unired Nations in 1945, the annual event was not officially enshrined as a world holiday until 1979. After being brought to the Food and Agricultural Organisation conference and voted in, over 150 countries began celebrating this event each year.
The FAO aims to raise levels of nutrition across the globe, improve agricultural productivity at all levels, enhance the lives of rural populations and contribute to the growth of the world economy. It also provides assistance to countries changing their agricultural policy, to aid regions out of famine situations, to help implement appropriate technology and facilitate a neutral environment to discuss issues around food production.
"Water is life, Water is Food. Leave No One Behind"
This years theme will encourage people to consider the vital importance of clean, sanitary water and the thousands of people who do not have access to safe drinking water.
When is World Food Day?
Monday, 16 October
Activities:
- Start a conversation about water safety and how to be water smart at school and at home
- Create a Recycling water bucket for the service to collect rain water to water the gardens, or fruit and veggie patches.
- Read the book "Water is Life, water is food" to explore the the importance of water for food and for our nature. The book also explores global challenges such as a growing population, global warming and an increase in the production of goods and services threatening our water supply.
- Encourage the children to get involved in planting their own props in a vegetable and herb garden
- Start a conversation about food poverty and global hunger