WORLD FOOD DAY
OCTOBER 16.
Remember the scent of
freshly baked cookies that enveloped your grandmother’s kitchen, the sheer joy
of devouring a sticky, ice-cold popsicle on a scorching summer day, or the
first taste of a peculiar fruit that made you scrunch your face in disgust?
Food, after all, is more than just sustenance; it’s an integral part of our
lives, a vessel for memory, culture, and celebration.Throughout human history,
through the process of cooking, food has evolved from a means of sustenance to
something of an art form wherein the exchange of cultures can be observed in
the various cooking techniques and common ingredients used by different
cultures.In the Indian context, a person can observe this blend of cultures in
dishes such as the Burmese Khao Suey. A noodle curry dish demonstrates the
blend of the quintessential South Asian ingredient: noodles with a
coconut-based sauce with onions, ginger, garlic, green chillies, etc.The samosa,
a favourite tea-time snack of people across India, is another example. The
creamy, spicy potato filling encased in a crispy exterior, served with an array
of chutneys, is originally based on an African dish called Sambusa, served with
lentils or meat mince. Interestingly, the potato, used in numerous dishes
across Indian cuisine, isn’t originally from India but from Peru.
Through food, cultural
interactions can be traced back thousands of years. This gives us a perspective
of how, despite the borders and the conflict worldwide, we, as humans, are one.
However, as soon as we start to grasp this ability of food as a worldwide
unifier, the grim reality hits us that countless people worldwide do not have
access to enough food even for sustenance.
Hence, the United
Nations established the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation on the
16th of October, 1945, to spearhead global efforts to end world hunger and
improve nutrition and food security across the globe.In 1979, the members of
FAO, led by the Hungarian delegation and the former Minister of Agriculture and
Food, Dr Pal Romany, suggested celebrating World Food Day to raise awareness
about hunger and poverty.Battling such situations and helping people worldwide
avoid such issues is the paramount purpose of World Food Day. As we delve into
this journey, let’s explore and understand the importance of World Food Day.
Every year, 16th
October is the day that World Food Day is celebrated. On this day, people and
organisations raise awareness about food security, hunger, and the importance
of nutritious and sustainable diets. It’s a day when we acknowledge the vital
role food plays in our lives, communities, and the world. In this article,
we’ll take a closer look at the history and purpose of World Food Day, its
significance, and the global efforts to make sure that everyone has access to
safe, healthy, and sufficient food.Now that we have understood the purpose of
World Food Day and when is World Food Day celebrated every year, let us dive
deeper into the first time it was celebrated and exactly how organisations such
as FAO celebrate the occasion. We will also delve into various aspects of the
importance of World Food Day.The first World Food Day was celebrated on the
16th of October, 1981, and it has been observed on the same day ever since.
Each year, World Food Day focuses on a different theme. This World Food Day
theme is decided by the FAO.
Every year, the World
Food Day theme sheds light on various food security and agriculture aspects.
These themes range from “Climate is changing. Food and agriculture must too” to
“Our actions are our future. Healthy diets for a #ZeroHunger World.” These themes
aim to draw attention to the most pressing food production, distribution, and
consumption issues.The World Food Day theme for the year 2023 is ‘Water is
Life, Water is Food. Leave No One Behind.’ Therefore, this year’s World Food
Day celebration everywhere will focus on this particular theme.
16th October, the day
on which World Food Day is celebrated is not just another date; instead, it’s a
powerful reminder of the stark reality millions face daily. While many of us
are blessed with abundant food choices, others grapple with the grim spectre of
hunger and malnutrition. This day compels us to reflect on the disparities in
access to food and the persistent challenges communities face.In the 21st
century, where scientific advancements have taken us to the moon, and beyond,
it’s disheartening to acknowledge that millions of people still go to bed
hungry. Realising how pressing this issue is is the first step in understanding
the gravity of the situation and the importance of World Food Day. Creating
this awareness amongst individuals across individuals is one of the crucial
reasons why World Food Day is celebrated.
World Food Day is not
just an occasion to raise awareness; it reminds us to take action. Each year,
It calls upon individuals, communities, governments, and organisations to work
together to address global hunger, food security, and nutrition challenges.
Let’s learn why World Food Day is celebrated.
Prof. John Kurakar
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