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 2020, the theme is Building a Zero Hunger Generation.
World Food Day is organised to bring awareness to how our changing planet affects food production and distribution. Related events explore topics such as examining how agriculture needs to adapt due to climate change as well as how migration affects food security. The aim of these sessions is to set goals that will eventually lead to building a Zero Hunger Generation.
The message is that we all need to limit our consumption of foods that are high in salt, sugar and trans and saturated fats. Instead we are to 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.
Eating healthily
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 WFD in and outside of the class. These activities can help children better grasp the concept of food insecurity. This, whilst also 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.