World Food Day 2012

Today is World Food Day, which is a global initiative to end hunger. It is estimated that 1 in 7 people suffers from being under-nourished, but with the amount of food produced throughout the world, this statistic is shocking and seemingly unnecessary. Becoming educated and willing to change even a little bit in the way we buy our own food can make a big difference.

This year’s theme is “Agricultural Cooperatives – Key to Feeding the World”. Not only is changing the way we buy our food important to our health, it can also have an enormous impact on our economy and environment. Helping to create a sustainable food supply will increase jobs and decrease fuel emissions and keep people full! The most important part of this day is to get the message out there that although so many people aren’t getting enough food, there is help out there and with a little support from everyone, we can eliminate world hunger. Read below for a list of things you can do to be a part of the movement!

Support your local farmers: Join a co-op to support your local farmers. This will help provide food security and sustainability by providing farmers with essential tools and information they need. It will also increase jobs and food production. All you have to do is a quick search online to find the closest cooperative near you or ask about one the next time you visit your local farm stand!

Donate to your local food bank: A little bit goes a long way! The next time you go food shopping, grab a few extra canned goods or a non-perishable item on sale and drop it off at your local food bank or pantry. This small act of kindness can and will make a difference in the life of someone and their family!

Volunteer at a soup kitchen: With the holidays coming up, what better way to give back to the community? Take an afternoon with a friend or family member and have fun making a meal for the less fortunate. You will feel good knowing that the people you meet will not go to bed hungry that night!

Spread the word: Whether you know it or not, someone you know is having trouble feeding their family or themselves, especially in our current economy. The hungry are not just the poor or homeless, they may be a neighbor or co-worker. The more you learn and know the better understanding you will have on the global issue of hunger. Getting other people involved is an excellent way to make a bigger difference and is something that will hopefully have a positive impact on your life as well as the ones you made a decision to help!

While many people are struggling to provide food for themselves and their families, this does not have to be the case. For those of us who are not struggling, this is our opportunity to help. Whether it is volunteering our time to provide for the less fortunate, or to donate, or support our local farmers, it will all help in some way. By doing this, we can celebrate World Food Day any day!

What are some things you will do to keep the spirit of World Food Day going beyond today?

Like this post? Share it!