What is World Food Day, and How Can You Commemorate It?

Each year, on October 16th, the world celebrates World Food Day, which is also the date of the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization. The FAO is a United Nations agency with a goal of food security for all. This year, World Food Day marks the 80th anniversary of FAO’s establishment in Quebec City. This day is celebrated worldwide to raise awareness for food insecurity and to strengthen and provide momentum to efforts to end hunger around the world. 

So, what can you do to get involved in this special day? Here are some ways, according to the FAO, that you can get involved in creating food prosperity for all.

Reduce household food waste: It is easy to make an impact on the environment in your household. Planning meals carefully can help you to buy only the foods you need, saving money and the environment. Eating leftovers for lunch the next day, as well as carefully monitoring expiration dates, can also help reduce food waste. Finally, when food waste does occur, take advantage of London’s Green Bin program to compost organic materials. 

Support local organizations fighting for food prosperity: Volunteer at a local organization working towards food prosperity. You can volunteer at an organization such as the London Food Coalition or organize a food drive at your workplace for the London Food Bank. If you don’t have time to help out or organize an event, you can provide support through financial and food donations. 

Choose healthy, local foods: When picking foods, opt for local, seasonal produce when possible. Ensure that you’re consuming a balanced diet, and encourage friends and family to do the same. Learn new recipes to help incorporate foods such as legumes and nuts, which are more environmentally friendly, and locally grown foods into your diet. This will help protect biodiversity and your health!

Speak up: Learn about current issues related to food insecurity and speak out about them. Ask your friends and family how they reduce food waste, or contact your local MP to ask what actions are being taken against food insecurity. Even something as small as asking your favourite restaurant what they do with their leftover food each night can be enough to spread awareness and drive change.

Learn more about World Food Day here: https://www.fao.org/world-food-day/about/en