World Food Day is celebrated annually on 16  October. It is an International Day of Observance that aims to raise awareness of ongoing efforts to eliminate poverty, hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition.

Why is World Food Day important?

World Food Day aims to raise awareness of global hunger and encourage people to take action. The observance highlights the need to ensure food security (essentially the idea that everyone has easy access to the food they need to survive and thrive) around the world, especially those in remote communities who are most vulnerable.

When was the first World Food Day? 

What is the theme for World Food Day 2020? 

The 2020 theme for World Food Day is “Food safety, everyone’s business”. This theme aims to increase global food safety awareness and calls on everyone – the general public, countries and decision makers, the private sector, civil society and UN organisations – to take action on food security. 

This year’s World Food Day also marks the 75th anniversary of FAO,  as countries around the world deal with the widespread effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic. It’s a time to look into the future we need to build together.

How can you get involved and celebrate World Food Day? 

Get involved and mark this World Food day in a meaningful way. Here are some of the ways you can get involved and celebrate World Food Day this year:

• Spreading awareness: Through social media or word-of-mouth, spread awareness about food security and the injustice of this issue that affects so many people around the world. 
• Educating yourself and others: Take the time to educate yourself and the people around you by sharing facts and statistics about food security and the consequences of food shortages. There are a number of YouTube videos, stories, factsheets and blogs for you to discover. 
• Building a vegetable garden: A great way to teach your children about food is to show them where it comes from. Building a vegetable garden is a great way to spark conversation about food security and where our food originates.  
• Becoming conscious of your food waste: Try to minimise your food waste and encourage others to do the same. 
• Taking action and making a donation: You can make a difference by making a donation to those in need. Your money will go towards improving food security for children living in poverty overseas.

Go beyond observance and make a meaningful change this World Food Day

Join us in working towards a world where every child can say ‘I am safe. I am educated. I contribute. I have a future.’ Food security is one of the most essential foundations to reducing poverty overseas, and improving the lives of the children and families with whom ChildFund works.

Donate to our hunger appeal this World Food Day, and help ensure the most vulnerable children have a stable supply of food during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

You can also donate one of our Gifts that Grow for a birthday, anniversary or other special occasion taking place this month. Our catalogue includes a range of gifts that will feed hungry children, and reduce the impact of the global pandemic.