World Food Day
World Food Day
World Food Day is celebrated on 16 October every year. This day marks the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). The FAO was launched by the United Nations in 1945, with an aim to bring together the nations in the fight against hunger. With different themes every year, the World Food Day 2018 focuses on ‘Zero Hunger’, which includes aspects like:
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Not wasting food – Food with a longer shelf life can be stored in the fridge instead of being thrown away.
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Cultivating food – People can start growing their own vegetables and fruits through terrace and indoor gardening. This will encourage self-sufficiency and sustainability.
According to a report by FAO, the number of people deprived of food has reached an estimate of nearly 821 million in 2017, as against 804 million in 2016.
What can schools do?
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Set up a vegetable garden
Schools can do their bit by setting up vegetable and fruit gardens in the campus. Children can be introduced to concepts like gardening and farming. They can be encouraged to take this knowledge and apply it in their respective homes.
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Create an awareness in the neighbourhood
Schools can take up awareness initiatives in the neighbourhood. Students can talk to people about food and hunger. They can also highlight the reasons why food should not be wasted.
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Adopt the neighbourhood
Schools can raise funds by conducting events and competitions. The funds so collected can be utilised to provide food to those who cannot afford it.
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Set up a food waste bin in the school
Schools can set up food waste bins, to encourage children to not dump any food waste on the road. Schools can also introduce a reward system for children who do not waste food the entire month or year. Teachers can bring in fun sessions in the classroom to encourage students to not waste food.
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Classroom activities
Teachers can encourage students to come up with activities like collage making, skits, presentations, etc. to create an awareness about food wastage. The concept of classroom garden can be introduced, where each class can have few plants in it, with the students tending to it.
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Competitions
Students can be asked to come up with ideas on how they would solve issues like hunger and food shortage in the world.
While the onus is on the government and the local bodies to reduce hunger in the nation, individuals also play a key role in doing their bit to reduce hunger.
