World Food Day was observed on 16 October, but we can help create the food system we want all year long.

What is World Food Day?

World Food Day commemorates the date of the founding of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), with an aim to increase awareness of world hunger and poverty and inspire solutions for world change.

Specifically, a sustainable agri-food system that provides a variety of sufficient, nutritious, and safe foods at an affordable price to all – so no one suffers from any form of malnutrition or hunger.

Why does it matter?

Food production, consumption, and wastage impose a heavy toll on our planet and the environment.

Such inefficiencies in the food system are not only costing the world trillions of dollars but, more importantly, revealing imbalances in society.

More than three billion people cannot afford healthy diets, while obesity continues to increase worldwide.

What can you do to help?

The foods we choose, produce, prepare, cook, and store make us an integral and active part of how an agri-food system works.

Here’s where you can start:

  • Choose healthy & sustainable: choose diverse and nutritious foods to support biodiversity and your health. Add fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and whole grains to your diet and reduce ultra-processed foods that are high in salt, sugar, or fats.

  • Reduce food waste: improve food storage and meal planning at home

  • Recycle: try implementing composting or reusing water practices at home

  • Support small food producers: choose short, inclusive value chains that connect producers to consumers and nurture ecosystems.

  • Green spaces: create green spaces or get involved in a local community garden.

  • Dress sustainably: support fashion and brands that are socially responsible and ethical.

  • Share knowledge and information: get more people to care about how our food is produced and its effects on the planet and society.

If you have any questions, please contact dos-dhmosh-public-health@un.org

The Division of Healthcare Management and Occupational Safety and Health (DHMOSH) is part of the Office of Support Operations in the Department of Operational Support (DOS).

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