God created man, blessed them, and gave them dominion over all living creatures. Then God said, “See, I give you every seed-bearing plant all over the earth………and every tree that has seed bearing fruit on it to be your food.” Genesis: 1:30. Thus we know that food is basic to human existence. Without food humanity cannot survive as it directly impacts health by providing essential nutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals that fuel the body, support growth and repair, and maintain vital functions. Air, food, and water together is Life-giving to mankind.
Living in the 21st century, it is shocking to learn that the Global Hunger Index (GHI) points out that African countries like Somalia, Yemen, Chad, Burundi, and South Sudan, are categorized as having “alarming” levels of hunger. More than 30 million people in 22 countries and territories are suffering severe food crises. Can you believe that over 190 to 200 million people in our country India, go to bed hungry every night? India is ranked 105th out of 127 countries, placing it in the “serious” category for hunger levels with a GHI score of 27.3. This score is based on indicators including undernourishment and child mortality, wasting, and stunting. No doubt as children, we heard our parents and elders tell us not to waste food. Little did we then realise the importance and that it is such an integral part of peoples’ lives.
Not many of us are aware that World Food Day is celebrated on October 16th, established by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in 1979. The aim of the day is to promote global awareness and action for those who suffer from hunger, and to highlight the need to ensure healthy diets for all. It is a call to governments, organizations, and individuals to work towards policies and practices that ensure nutritious, affordable food for all peoples. The theme for World Food Day 2025 is “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future,” focusing on global collaboration to create sustainable agrifood systems for all peoples of the world. It is a fundamental human right to access safe, nutritious, and affordable food to improve all peoples’ well-being and future.
The reasons to mark such a day were the following: 1. To combat hunger malnutrition and to encourage sustainable food systems. 2. To foster resilient food systems which can overcome challenges like climate change, economic inequality, and social disparities. 3. To highlight the role and importance of agriculture and food producers. 4. To advocate for a better future, promote the vision of a world where sustainable food is a fundamental human right. Millions of people face hunger and insufficient food production. Farmers and others involved in the food supply chain are given a boost. It could encourage people to make healthy food choices and reduce food waste.
In today’s modern times the 10 most popular foods in the world are Pizza, Rice dishes, (fried rice biryani), Tacos, Sushi, Pasta dishes (spaghetti, lasagna), Noodles, curry dishes like chicken tikka masala, yellow curry, and Hamburgers. Italy has the best food in the world. France cuisine is quite innovative and contemporary followed by Greece. There are many things in general you can try, from salads to hot dishes, from sweets to soups. Spain and China too are imaginative.
The healthiest meats are lean poultry and turkey, fish and lean cuts of bison or grass-fed beef. The unhealthy foods are processed meats and cheese, sugary drinks, French fries, potato chips, pizza, donuts and pastries, sugary cereals, fried foods, white bread, and packaged snacks like cookies. Of the greens Iceberg lettuce, cucumbers, celery, zucchini, bananas, grapes, tomatoes, beets, and apples are healthy but relatively low in essential nutrients. There isn’t a single “most unhealthy fruit.” Generally, dried fruits, fruit juices, and candied fruits are less healthy due to their high sugar and low fiber content. Junk foods contain high levels of fat, salt or sugar but lack nutrients such as fibre, vitamins, and minerals.
What causes food waste is overproduction. Food producers often overestimate, demand, and produce more than necessary. Also, there is poor Inventory Management. One can Repurpose & Recycle food waste into Compost scraps, which in turn with food scraps and yard waste converts it into nutrient-rich soil. Donate edible food. Connect with local charities or food banks to donate extra food. The 3 highest food wastage countries in 2022 are China 108 million tonnes, India more than 78 million tonnes, and America more than 24 million tonnes.
The slogan for this year is ‘Nourish the world, one meal at a time’ How can we create a hunger-free future? It is very important to prevent food waste. The surplus food can be handled through smart planning and storage, then donate edible food to those in need via food banks or sharing groups. There is much food waste, freeze, pickle, dehydrate, can, or make jam/jelly from surplus fruits and vegetables, especially when there is abundant seasonal produce. To eliminate hunger, we need to improve agricultural productivity, ensure fair food distribution, promote economic growth, and job opportunities, investing in education and healthcare, and foster social equality. Let’s work towards a hunger free society.
Source: The Internet
Dr. Jeanette Pinto is a retired educator and a member of the Archdiocesan Human Life Committee, Bombay. She also leads a Church ministry for widows at her Parish. She is an author of several inspirational books and articles.