Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future
World Food Day is observed every year on 16th October, celebrating the day the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) was founded, and the observation started in 1979. Enough food is produced to feed everyone, yet millions suffer from hunger and malnutrition. ~20% of all food produced forhuman consumption is wasted. About 14% of food is lost between harvest and retail due to poor infrastructure and inefficient logistics. Most food waste ends up in landfills, where it decomposes and releases methane (greenhouse gas). China and India top the list of countries with the highest food waste in absolute terms, while countries like the Maldives and Seychelles rank high in per capita waste. Ancient Indian scriptures regard food as sacred, essential for physical and spiritual well-being. The Vedas describe  “Annam Brahma” (Food is God). Ayurveda views food as medicine. Local, seasonal ingredients play an essential role in building resilient food systems. Need to reconnect with traditional food wisdom to support both health and the environment. Children learn best by watching adults. Practice mindful eating, leftover creativity, and gratitude before meals. World Food Day is a reminder that access to nutritious food is a human right, not a privilege.
Together, We Can Create a World,
Where Everyone Has Access To Safe, Nutritious, and Sufficient Food.
Dr Qu Dongyu, DG, FAO
World Food Day is observed every year on 16th October, celebrating the day the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) was founded, and the observation started in 1979. This year’s observation marks the 80th anniversary of the FAO. The FAO, a UN entity, focuses its efforts on defeating hunger, improving nutrition, and promoting sustainable agriculture and food systems. It has its Headquarters in Rome, Italy. There are no fully sovereign countries that are not part of FAO. The focus is on ensuring healthy diets for all, while protecting the planet’s resources.
There is a significant global food crisis. Despite progress, millions still suffer from hunger and malnutrition. Over 295 million people across 53 countries are experiencing hunger. The numbers are increasing year on year, with climate change disrupting food production, conflict and displacement affecting access to food.
While Millions Face Hunger,
Vast Amounts of Edible Food Are Discarded.
Enough food is produced to feed everyone. Yet millions suffer from hunger and malnutrition. Global food waste is staggering; it is ~20% of all food produced forhuman consumption. That is equivalent to 1 billion meals thrown away every single day. China (108.6 million tonnes) and India (78 million tonnes) top the list of countries with the highest food waste in absolute terms, due to their large populations and growing consumer habits. There are countries like the Maldives (207 kg/year), Seychelles (183 kg/year), and Pakistan (130 kg/year), where per capita waste is high. About 14% of food is lost between harvest and retail due to poor infrastructure and inefficient logistics.
Most food waste ends up in landfills, where it decomposes and releases methane (greenhouse gas). Some is incinerated, and a small portion is recycled into compost or bioenergy. In some regions, food waste is burned. While this reduces volume, it contributes to air pollution and loses the potential for nutrient recovery.
Wasting food squanders water, energy, and land used in production. Better storage and transport systems. Consumer education on portioning and expiry dates. Redistribution networks to donate surplus food. Technology and AI are helping optimise supply chains and reduce spoilage.
Ancient Indian scriptures regard food as sacred, essential for physical and spiritual well-being. The Vedas describe food as a divine gift, necessary for sustaining life. Described as “Annam Brahma” (Food is God),highlighting its sacredness. Ayurveda views food as medicine—tailored to one’s dosha (body constitution). Eating in a calm, clean environment is essential for nutrient and energy absorption.
Food is the third most basic human need, after air and water, and everyone should have the right to adequate food. Around one-quarter of the world’s labour force works in agriculture. India ranks second worldwide in farm outputs. In India, agriculture employs more than 50% of the workforce and contributes ~20% to the country’s GDP.  Â
Local, seasonal ingredients play an essential role in building resilient food systems. Need to reconnect with traditional food wisdom to support both health and the environment. Children to be taught about food wastage through age-appropriate activities that connect them emotionally and practically to the value of food. Children learn best by watching adults. Practice mindful eating, leftover creativity, and gratitude before meals. Celebrate small wins, like finishing a meal or saving a banana from going bad.
World Food Day Is a Reminder that Access
to Nutritious Food Is a Human Right,
Not a Privilege.
Toons: Reema and Advika
Logs: M Sai Baba
ToonLogs
ToonLogs posted on the same theme earlier can be accessed at:
ToonLogs posted on “International Day of Awareness on Food Loss and Waste Reduction” can be accessed at:
https://niascomm.in/2024/09/29/international-day-of-awareness-on-food-loss-and-wate-reduction/
