Every year on October 16th, people in over 150 countries observe World Food Day. Started in 1981, World Food Day was established by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in order to strengthen the worlds fight against hunger, malnutrition and poverty, and to draw attention to achievements in food security and agricultural development. Plainly speaking, World Food Day seeks to give the basic human right to food a reality for everyone. Every year a theme is chosen and this year’s theme – “Sustainable Food Systems for Food Security and Nutrition” – certainly caught our eye.
Sustainable food systems produce nutritious diets for all people today and protect the capacity of future generations to feed themselves. Yet, today in 2013, almost 60 percent of the world’s ecosystems are degraded or used unsustainably. This year, World Food Day is aiming to educate people how to (and why we should) increase the amount of healthy food available worldwide. “Yes, but where do I start?” you may ask. A good starting point is in your own home. Make good decisions about what food you buy and eat, and reduce food waste. And pass on the knowledge! The more we share what we know, the better the chance of our children and our children’s children passing on the tips to a better future.
Today and throughout October in the United States, World Food Day events will be hosted. Groups like Oxfam America , non-profits and private citizens will host dinners across the country to raise funds and educate. Other events include charity walks, speaking presentations, food packaging events (for those in need) and special farmers markets. For information on events and how you can host a World Food Day Dinner next year, click here.
A World Food Day food packaging event. Photo courtesy of World Food Day USA.
We are big believers of sustainability here at Ponte and have implemented hundreds of changes throughout our departments to decrease our environmental footprint. In our Restaurants, we source locally as much as possible, serve sustainable meat and seafood, grow our own tomatoes and olive trees, create organic compost, etc. But, more importantly, we seek to share our knowledge about sustainability with our guests. You can learn all about Ponte’s sustainability vision and efforts here.
If you’d like to be involved in World Food Day next year, visit World Food Day USA. Through education and action, we can all make a difference in the world.
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