Last Updated on 14 October 2024 IST | World Food Day was first established in November 1979. The idea was suggested by former Hungarian Minister of Agriculture and Food Dr Pal Romany. Since then, the day has been celebrated by more than 150 countries around the world. It is an initiative by the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations. Lending food to the hungry has always been the teaching of the Almighty God. So let us know about the day to walk on the path shown by the Almighty God and promote World Food Day as well.
World Food Day 2024: Highlights
- October 16: Marks the anniversary of the FAO’s founding in 1945.
- Theme: “Right to foods for a better life and a better future”.
- Commemorates FAO’s Founding: World Food Day marks the anniversary of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)’s establishment in 1945.
- Partnerships: Organisations like the World Food Programme (WFP) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) actively participate in World Food Day events.
- By 2021, India’s rank in the Global hunger index has gone down to 101.
- The Almighty supports those who seek to recognize and worship Him, showing devotion through faith.
History of World Food Day
World Food Day was first observed in 1945. It was celebrated to mark the launch of the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization. The main focus of World Food Day is to celebrate the promotion of food security across the globe, especially in difficult times like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Previous Themes:
Each year, World Food Day has a specific theme to focus attention on pressing food and agricultural issues. Here are some previous themes:
- 2023: “Water is life, water is food. Leave no one behind.”
- 2022: “Leave no one behind.”
- 2021: “Our actions are our future. Better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life.”
- 2020: “Grow, nourish, sustain. Together.”
- 2019: “Our actions are our future. Healthy diets for a #ZeroHunger world.”
Current Situation
While strides have been made in reducing hunger, millions still struggle to access adequate food. According to the 2021 Global Hunger Index, nearly 805 million people, or 11.3% of the world’s population, are undernourished.
World Food Programme (WFP)
The day is celebrated widely by many other organizations concerned with hunger and food security, including the World Food Programme and the International Fund for Agricultural Development. WFP received the Nobel Prize in Peace for 2020 for their efforts to combat hunger, contribute to peace in conflict areas, and for playing a leading role in stopping the use of hunger in the form of a weapon for war and conflict.
World Food Day Theme 2024
The theme for World Food Day 2024 is “Right to foods for a better life and a better future”. This theme highlights the importance of access to nutritious, affordable, safe, and sustainable food for everyone. Although we have developed ourselves in technologies and various circumstances still there is a huge section of people in our society which is still underdeveloped. The main problem behind this cause is accessibility to food resources.
Daily enough food is being prepared across the globe to feed the entire population but because of the lack of resources, food is not accessible to many people. People need to come in front as a volunteer to reduce this gap of accessibility and be a food hero for their societies. Giving away food as an act of compassion exemplified by Supreme God Kabir, or Kabir Parmeshwar Himself. How, then, can we remain indifferent to the needs of others?
Significance of World Food Day
World Food Day is celebrated to mark the anniversary of the founding of the FAO of the United Nations, every year. This day aims at tackling global hunger and striving to eradicate hunger across the world.
How Can the World Celebrate World Food Day?
This global event marks a day calling for worldwide awareness and collective action to combat the issue of hunger and ensure healthy diets for all. One can do the following to ensure his/her participation:
- One of the best ways to celebrate World Food Day is by giving food to people who need it the most and be a food hero. This way you can serve and feed the needy. And don’t forget to share it with the world food day community.
- Reach out to join the World Food Day community through its website. And you will be given contents(available in various languages) to post online on social media platforms related to the observance of world food day.
- Participation in World Food Day Poster Contest 2024. Children from the age group of 5-19 years can make a poster based upon their imagination and upload it on the website of FAO. The submission deadline is 8 November 2024.
India’s Global Hunger Index Rank
For the 2021 GHI report, data were assessed for 135 countries. With a score of 27.5 in the 2021 Global Hunger Index, India has a level of hunger that is serious. India slips to 101st rank in Global Index 2021. Despite so much economic growth, India is still grappling with high levels of poverty, food insecurity, and malnutrition. In the last two decades, the income gap between the rich and the poor has increased. The Covid-19 pandemic has made the situation worse.
■ Also Read: World Food Safety Day: Date, Theme, Quotes, History, Significance
The World Food Programme is taking many steps along with the Government of India. The Indian government has also been running many food security related schemes but the implementation has been a challenge. The government, in 2013, had enacted the National Food Security Act which ensured food grains at subsidised rates to approximately two-thirds of the Indian population. But, the fight to end hunger is far from being over.
Kabir Parmeshwar Feeds Everyone
- You know More than 3 billion people (almost 40% of the world’s population) cannot afford a healthy diet. There are millions of people across the globe who are struggling with hunger, they do not have adequate food to survive.
- Starvation is a global crisis that needs to be addressed and tackled before it’s too late. We live in a society where there are people who can manage to indulge in the finest of delicacies without any thoughts but there are also others who struggle for food altogether.
- God created this world, and we are God’s creation. Each soul in this universe is God’s beloved soul. God loves both human beings and animals alike. God created the universe in six days. He made us and provided food for everyone.
All Living Being Equal for God
God is gracious and kind. He loves the souls of animals and humans alike. God gave us seed-bearing and fruit-bearing plants to eat. Even microorganisms are His child. He ordered the man to be vegetarian. God helps those who obey Him. Every soul belongs to God and He loves each and every child.
Whoever is dependent on God and has a firm belief in Him and His constitution, he will never go sleep hungry & thirsty. God has descended on earth to protect His souls from all obstacles like hunger, poverty, diseases, calamity etc., believe in His glory and identify Him through the book ‘Gyan Ganga‘ (Compiled by Saint Rampal ji Maharaj incarnation of Almighty). Worshipping Almighty according to the scriptures can help everyone till eternity.
A Call to Action for Hunger Relief: Upcoming Bhandara by Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj
On October 16, 2024, the world celebrates World Food Day, dedicated to raising awareness about hunger and promoting sustainable food practices worldwide. In this spirit, we highlight the upcoming bhandara organised by Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj.
- The next bhandara, named Divya Dharma Yagya Diwas, will take place in November at all Satlok Ashrams in India and Nepal.
- Come as You Are: Everyone is invited to partake in the bhandara and enjoy the meals served.
24/7 Langar at Ashrams:
- The langar (community kitchen) at 11 ashrams in India and Nepal is open 24 hours a day, allowing anyone to access food at any time, fostering an inclusive environment for all.
Find More Information:
For more details about the bhandara and other initiatives, follow Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj on their social media handles on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
Conclusion
As we approach World Food Day 2024, let’s come together to support Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj’s vision of a hunger-free world. By raising awareness and participating in these initiatives, we can help ensure that no one goes to bed hungry.
FAQ on World Food Day 2024
Answer: Around 11.3 percent of the world population which is around 805 million people.
Answer: Venezuela, Thailand, Saint Vincent and Grenadines, Kuwait, Ghana, Georgia, Cuba, Brazil, Azerbaijan and Armenia.
Answer: Around 65 percent of the hungry people are living in Asia which is around 526 million.
Answer: Almost 1 in 15 children in developing countries dies before 5 due to hunger.
Answer 101th Rank
