UNITED NATIONS WORLD FOOD DAY
October 16,2022 was World Food Day, but every day is a good day to consider food insecurity in the world. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization publishes information and holds events to bring about awareness of food insecurity issues. Here are some of their statistics—every day more than 30,000 people flee conflict & persecution. In 2021, 193 million experienced such food insecurity that they needed assistance to survive. Many more are expected this year. Also, about 40% of the world’s population can’t afford a healthy diet. Here are some of the reasons for such food insecurity—our changing climate (flooding, drought, fires and natural disasters) which damages and disrupts agriculture and sends people in search for better environments and food, and systems that are not inclusive and often ignore sustainable farming or ranching practices. Then there are the lingering problems of the pandemic-- economic slowdowns, supply chain issues, rising prices and numerous conflicts around the world. It is a bleak picture for millions. There are things we can do as a society within government entities, humanitarian organization and academics, as well as individual actions.
Government entities can work on equal access to healthy food, set policies for sustainable agriculture, help control prices and taxes on food products. Academic institutions can help with nutritional guidelines, innovation in helping get food to people such as mobile pop-up grocery stores (in coordination with government entities) or promoting school and community gardens. Individuals can help by reducing their carbon footprints (reduces emissions which can help reduce climate change), support local food producers, plant gardens, protect pollinators, and support local food pantries. Individuals can also vote to support officials that will address food insecurities with sound policies. They can also donate to the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization or other food related humanitarian organizations. We can also pray for an end to world conflicts that are threatening the food security of millions.
Earth Steward Action: Donate food or funds to Trinity’s Interfaith Food Pantry this week. Prepare to vote wisely. Continue in prayer for an equitable end to conflicts.
Source: https://www.foa.org/world-food-day/take-action/what-you-can-do This site also has a downloadable set of children’s activities.