Whether you realized it or not, before COVID-19 changed all our lives, the world was already grappling with a pandemic – a hunger pandemic. Those most vulnerable to hunger now are struggling more than ever to keep food on the table amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), committed to developing sustainable food systems, is calling for everyone across the globe to help the hungry as World Food Day is observed Oct. 16. Recognized in more than 150 countries, World Food Day exists to raise awareness about the issues behind hunger. Read on for three ways you can improve your personal health while strengthening the food system beyond your home.
1. Buy in-season local food.
Buying locally grown fresh foods, such as produce from your community farmer’s market, helps both the farmers who produced the food and your local economy. This eliminates the need for imported, out-of-season food from other parts of the world. The less distance your food has to travel, the better. Choosing to buy in-season produce reduces your carbon footprint and it tastes fresher, too. That’s a win-win!
2. Respect food and those who produce it.
Did you know Americans throw away an estimated 25 percent of the food they buy each month? Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization, estimates that 72 billion pounds of food goes to waste each year, while millions of people struggle with hunger. Learn how to store uneaten food properly to save it for another meal. When you shop, buy only what you know you’ll use. Your freezer can maximize the shelf life of food that may otherwise spoil. Chop vegetables and fruits and freeze them to use later in soups and smoothies or in baked goods like quick breads or muffins.
3. Use social media to promote healthy eating and buying habits.
Get people talking about hunger solutions and World Food Day by using the official hashtags #WorldFoodDay and #FoodHeroes. Look for ways to volunteer at your local food bank or community kitchen, then share your experience through social media. You’ll support people who struggle to access food in your own community while contributing to the larger food security conversation.
Looking for even more ways to observe World Food Day? The FAO has you covered.
