World Food Day

by Vernita Kennen

Will you and your congregation be celebrating World Food Day this year?

Do you know the history and background of this specially designated day? Do you know the whys, hopes, and plans for World Food Day?  Why was the October date selected? Here is some of the information from the website www.worldfooddayusa.org. Check the site for additional information, photos, resources and ideas that you can use.  Join in the effort to end hunger on World Food Day—and every day.

World Food Day is a day of action against hunger.

World Food Day is a day of action against hunger. On October 16, people around the world come together to declare their commitment to eradicate hunger in our lifetime. Because when it comes to hunger, the only acceptable number in the world is zero.

World Food Day celebrates the creation of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) on October 16, 1945 in Quebec, Canada. First established in 1979, World Food Day has since then been observed in almost every country by millions of people. In North America, grassroots events and public awareness campaigns engage diverse audiences in action against hunger.  From hunger walks and World Food Day dinners to meal packaging events and food drives, there are many ways for people to be a part of solutions to hunger. Each year, advocates come together to raise awareness and engage Americans and Canadians in the movement to end hunger. Led by the FAO Liaison Office for North America, the World Food Day USA & Canada Network includes over 60 organizations, universities and companies that are working to achieve a zero hunger world.