Ending hunger in our lifetime as the world observes World Food Day
When it comes to hunger, the only acceptable number is zero.
Friday October 16 is World Food Day.
Established in 1979, World Food Day has been observed by almost every country in the world by millions of people.
This years theme; “Social Protection and Agriculture’’ which aims at highlighting the role social protection plays in reducing chronic food insecurity as well as making sure that people get direct access to food by helping people plant their own food and stimulate local economic activity in their communities.
The right to food is a basic human right and World Food Day aims to raise awareness on the impact hunger has on people.
World Food Day is a day in action against world hunger, where people declare their commitment to fight this worldwide plight.
It serves to remind people that no one should go hungry. It is reported that almost 5 million children, under the age of five die of malnutrition related causes every year.
In September 2000 world leaders signed a commitment to achieve eight Millennium Development Goals by 2015.
One of those goals is to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger. Although this particular goal hasn’t been attained to its fullest, they have since made commendable strides by having 40 counties reduce the number of people who suffer from hunger by half.
The goal to achieve is to ensure that everyone has adequate financial and physical means to access good quality and healthy food.
Healthy nutritious food is a luxury for many people in South Africa, making it difficult for people to have a balanced diet. Hunger can happen to anyone.
Losing an income or having the misfortune of a disability which suddenly renders one immobile and in turn losing the ability to provide for themselves. It is a sad reality that we need to be aware of.
The African Children’s Feeding Scheme is one of the many organisations that feed children in different communities in Soweto, Alexandra, Tembisa and Kagiso amongst others.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) believe that “Ending hunger is not just a moral imperative, but also a good investment for society”.
It is with this statement that we should help with the eradication of world hunger, don’t let your neighbour go hungry when you can help put food in their tummy.
