World Food Day 2021: History, Theme, and Significance

World Food Day 2021 is aiming to provide ‘safe food for now, for a healthy tomorrow’, and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization celebrates this every year on October 16.

“Food is symbolic of love when words are inadequate.” – Alan D. Wolfelt.

Most of us are blessed enough to get wholesome meals on a daily basis throughout our lives, but then there are people who aren’t as lucky as us and often struggle to satiate their hunger.

Back in 1945, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) was established on October 16, and since 1979, this day is celebrated as World Food day, in order to commemorate the anniversary of the founding of FAO.

The main aim of celebrating this day is to address the issues related to tackling global hunger and striving to eradicate hunger across the world.

World Food Day 2021 Theme:

Every year, there’s a particular theme, conveying a specific message. Nearly 150 countries from across the world participate in celebrating this day and focus on matters revolving around agriculture, food, and investments to increase the production of food products, etc. The theme for World Food Day 2021 is – “Safe food now for a healthy tomorrow”.

The authorities and scientists associated with FAO have put out a general set of guidelines that would be taken up more seriously in the years ahead.

1. Ensure it’s safe – Governments must ensure safe and nutritious food for all
2. Grow it safe – Agriculture and food producers need to adopt good practices
3. Keep it safe – Business operators must make sure food is safe
4. Know what’s safe – Consumers need to learn about safe and healthy food
5. Team up for food safety – Let’s work together for safe food and good health!

As the world is recovering from a pandemic and several developing nations have been hit hard, now is the time when we should all unite and emphasize more on eradicating poverty, ensuring healthier meals for all, and put a pause to food wastage.

Many countries are even taking up the initiative of food waste management, engaging volunteers and spreading awareness.

To put it in the words of Giada De Laurentiis, “Food brings people together on many different levels. It’s nourishment of the soul and body; it’s truly love.”