Today, October 16th marks World Food Day.
Every year, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) celebrates World Food Day (WFD) promote worldwide awareness and action for those who suffer from hunger and for the need to ensure food security and nutritious diets for all.
For 2019, the theme is OUR ACTIONS ARE OUR FUTURE. HEALTHY DIETS
FOR A #ZEROHUNGER WORLD.
The message is that we all need to limit our consumption of foods that are high in salt, sugar and trans and saturated fats and instead make healthy eating and #ZeroHunger a part of our daily lives. You can get familiar with your country’s dietary guidelines, change the way you eat, learn to understand nutrition labels, become a critical consumer, push for the availability of healthier food choices at work or in the community, be physically active and become more aware of your carbon food print.
What is a healthy diet?
A healthy diet is one that meets the nutritional needs of individuals by supplying sufficient, safe, nutritious and diverse foods to lead an active life and reduce the risk of disease. It includes, among others, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds and whole grains, and foods that are low in fats (especially saturated fats), sugar and salt.
Nutritious foods that constitute a healthy diet are not always available or affordable for many people.
How is your school marking WFD?
There are various ways schools can recognise World Food Day in and outside of the class and can help children better grasp the concept of food insecurity while learning about what they can do to help feed current and future generations.
The school could start a seed preservation project. This can provide hands-on fun for children and students, as well as educating them on the importance of seed preservation.
Another option is to promote local farming. This might include scheduling a farm visit which would help teach children about buying from local farms. By doing so, it promotes healthy and sustainable food systems in smaller communities. You can show this by taking them on a tour of a local farm. These visits have the potential to be a life changing experience for young minds and could help shape a future generation of local farmers.
Food and Agriculture Organization
Events for WFD are organised in up to 150 countries around the world, and range from marathons and hunger marches, to exhibitions, cultural performances, contests and concerts. This makes it one of the most celebrated days of the UN calendar. It’s annual celebration honours and commemorates the founding date of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) launched by the United Nations in the year 1945.
Resources
Further information, ideas and resources can be found by visiting www.fao.org/WFD