What is World Food Day?
Every year on October 16, World Food Day is observed to end world hunger, advance food security, and encourage wholesome diets for all. It was started by the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation in 1945 and raises awareness of the problems with food production, access, and distribution around the globe. A day to consider how our lives are shaped by food and how we can ensure that it improves the lives of others.
Why Food is Important?
Food is essential to our survival. It's not only a basic survival requirement; it's entwined with identity, culture, and tradition. It symbolises history and legacy, acts as a platform for festivities, and unites people. A person's origins and identity can often be inferred from their food choices. Food and emotion are closely related; a meal one is familiar with can arouse emotions and memories.
Why should we not waste food?
Food waste is similar to resource waste. Food wastes not only the resources used to produce, transport, and cook it, but also the energy, labour, and water involved. Furthermore, food waste at landfills releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which is extremely harmful to the ecosystem. A moral dilemma also arises from it, given that millions of people go hungry every day. One easy, yet effective, method to be more sustainable and thoughtful to others is to reduce food waste.
What does the Bible say about food?
The Bible contains various verses about food. Here are a few key ones and their meanings:
Genesis 1:29: "And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat." Explanation: God provides all seed-bearing plants and fruits for sustenance.
Matthew 4:4: "But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." Explanation: Physical nourishment isn't enough; spiritual nourishment from God's word is also essential.
Proverbs 15:17: "Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith." Explanation: A simple meal shared in love is better than a feast with hatred.
Summary
We honour the significance of food in our lives and recognise the worldwide issues related to nutrition and food security on World Food Day. This day serves as a call to action to end hunger, guarantee that a healthy diet is available to all, and manage food supplies responsibly. It's an opportunity to consider the connections that food makes between people and to promote just and sustainable food systems across the globe.
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