World Food Day is celebrated annually on the 16th of October with the aim of promoting worldwide awareness, a call to action for those suffering from hunger and to emphasize the need to ensure access to nutritious diets. The theme for 2024 is “Right to foods for a better life and a better future”. In an ideal world, each and every human being would be able to access at least 3 nutritious meals a day without worrying about being able to afford it. Sadly, that is not the case and more targeted efforts are needed to work towards this common, crucial goal.

 

HUNGRY FOR CHANGE
As stated by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), the world’s farmers produce adequate food to feed more than the global population, yet hunger is still prevalent¹. It makes one wonder, how are we allowing this to happen right under our noses? According to the latest State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) report, roughly 733 million people faced hunger in 2023 which equates to one in eleven people globally and one in five in Africa². A devastating statistic that impacts our world in a very real and tragic way. 

Under South African and international law, the right to food is a human right³. This right is related to one’s right to life and dignity. This also speaks to food being available, accessible, and adequate for everyone without discrimination and at all times. Hunger and starvation give way to unnecessary co-morbidities, malnutrition and ultimately, death. It is tragic to consider the fact that there are children out there going to bed hungry every night. These very same children will sadly struggle to concentrate at school and perform at their full potential. World Food Day is a powerful reminder that a plate of food should never be taken for granted and that whenever we have the opportunity to ignite change, to grab it with both hands and use it for the good of those around us.

 

At FUTURELIFE®, this has always been at the heart of everything we do. FUTURELIFE®  began in 2007 primarily as a social project to help improve the lives of malnourished and disadvantaged people living in Sub-Saharan Africa. The goal was to make the most nutritious product possible at the lowest cost and with total convenience. Fast forward to 2024 and we are still playing our part to eradicate world hunger with our ongoing involvement in a number of feeding schemes and various other partnerships. Our vision? To change the way people think about nutrition and its role in their lives and in doing so, inspire and help people to make nutritionally smart choices in their quest for healthier and happier lives. FUTURELIFE® understands that the cost of feeding a family can add up very quickly. The good news is proper nutrition doesn’t have to be beyond your reach. Did you know that one 50g serving of FUTURELIFE® Smart food™, a nutritionally balanced, low GI meal, would cost ± R4.30? (based on the FUTURELIFE® website prices for the 500g box).

 

HOW CAN I PLAY MY PART THIS WORLD FOOD DAY?
If you’re keen to get involved and don’t know where to start, don’t worry! We have thought of a few easy ways you can make a difference this World Food Day.
1. Find someone in need at the supermarket and offer to buy them a few essential food items. 
2. Never throw leftovers away – neatly pack them and offer them to the homeless and underprivileged on your way to work the next morning.
3. If you’re able to take some time off, why not volunteer at your local soup kitchen and help feed the needy?
4. Set up a piggy bank or collection box in your office/reception for people to leave behind their extra change and donate it to an NPO or suitable charity at the end of the year.
5. If you are a corporate and would like to get involved in alleviating child hunger in South Africa, email FUTURELIFE® at info@futurelife.co.za

Share an informative post on World Food Day to all your social media platforms to help raise awareness and remember to add #WorldFoodDay and #FoodHeroes to your posts. For more information, please visit https://www.fao.org/world-food-day/en

 

CONCLUSION
A sustainable food future for all is only possible if we put in the work now. Together, we can make a difference this World Food Day. So, join the fight, show some compassion and share a meal. Because no one, should ever have to go hungry.

 

REFERENCES

1. Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) 2024. https://www.fao.org/world-food-day/en
2. FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, WFP and WHO. 2024. The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2024 – Financing to end hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition in all its forms. Rome.
3. The South African Human Rights Commission. Right to Food (2024). https://www.sahrc.org.za/index.php/publications/pamphlets/right-to-food

 

BY: Shannen Singh   /   DATE: September 2024