Against the backdrop of a climate crisis, wars, and increasing food insecurity, we will celebrate World Food Day (16 October) as a way to highlight the suffering of others and change our habits to improve the situation where we can.
Let’s end the year on a positive note by trying at least one of these four tips (if not all of them) in an attempt to improve food security wherever you are.
1. Don’t waste food
Food production is a costly, energy-consuming undertaking and any food waste is detrimental to the cycle.
Despite the fact that around 40% of the world’s population can’t afford a healthy diet, we continue to waste what precious food we have.
If you’re guilty of this, it’s time to change a few consumption habits! You can be more proactive in your meal planning so you’re using all the food you buy.
You can even use Google to find recipes reliant on what you have in your home at the time. If you make too much food, divide it into meal sizes and freeze it for later use.
2. Be water conscious
Water is our most valuable natural resource and, as you know, is absolutely vital for food production.
By practising water conservation, you’re contributing directly towards food security.
You can do this by taking shorter showers, fixing leaking pipes, collecting rainwater, reusing water from cooking to water plants, and eating seasonable fruit and vegetables which actually require less water to produce.
3. Support local farmers
Transporting food requires massive costs in terms of fuel, storage and more, whereas you will likely find that local farmers sell fresh produce at a fraction of the cost.
When you buy locally, you’re supporting local job creation by including them in the food value chain, and encouraging food security in the region.
4. Grow your own food
You don’t have to become a small-scale farmer, but you can start by planting some fruit trees or creating a small vegetable patch that can contribute towards your daily meals.
By growing your own food, you’re not only contributing towards food security, you’re also lowering your carbon footprint.
Fast facts about food insecurity
To prompt you into action, here are a few startling facts around food insecurity and the need to appropriately commemorate World Food Day.
· Conflict is one of the main drivers of food insecurity, with around 139 million people in 24 countries impacted in 2021 – a number sure to have escalated since the invasion of Ukraine and other ongoing conflicts
· Around 80% of the world’s displaced individuals are in countries affected by acute food insecurity, with many of them facing climate crisis risks
· Almost 40% of the world’s population can’t afford a healthy diet, while some 193 million people experienced acute food insecurity in 2021.
· Climate change disproportionately affects the rural poor, impacting their production yields and contributing to decreased nutrient compositions and diseases.
SOURCES:
www.fao.org
www.globalcitizen.org
