World Food Day

World Food Day

World Food Day was established by FAO’s Member Countries at the Organization’s 20th General Conference in November 1979. It has since been observed every year in more than 150 countries, raising awareness of the issues behind poverty and hunger. Since 1981, World Food Day has adopted a different theme each year in order to highlight areas needed for action and provide a common focus.

About World Food Day in brief

Summary World Food DayWorld Food Day was established by FAO’s Member Countries at the Organization’s 20th General Conference in November 1979. It has since been observed every year in more than 150 countries, raising awareness of the issues behind poverty and hunger. Since 1981, World Food Day has adopted a different theme each year in order to highlight areas needed for action and provide a common focus. Most of the themes revolve around agriculture because only investment in agriculture – together with support for education and health – will turn this situation around. The theme of 2020 is “Grow, nourish, sustain. Together. Our actions are our future. ”. In the United States the endeavor is sponsored by 450 national, private voluntary organizations. In Italy, ministries, universities, research agencies, international agencies, and NGOs have organized many conferences as well as exhibitions and symposia. In Ghana, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Policies organized a meeting which focused on women’s rights in rural areas in 2005. In Namibia, the President of the Republic has inaugurated a bridge at Boda to make the agricultural area more accessible.

In Chad, thousands of people have attended debates, conferences and activities including theatre, folk dance, visits to project sites and visits to agricultural sites. In Angola, the Vice-President has planted potatoes to provide a symbolic example about food production. In Botswana, the Food Ministry has hosted a conference and run an awareness campaign through national media. In India, the FAO Goodwill Ambassador – Spanish soccer star Raul – has taken part in events and helped highlight food-security issues across his country. The UK Food Group has also been active through conferences and media broadcasts. On behalf of the Holy See, John Paul XVI and Benedict XVI have sent an annual message for food producers and consumers. In 2005, Angola celebrated WFD in 2005 through the 4th Forum on Rural Women, while in Botswana the second Vice President Burundi-President planted potatoes. The Iowa Hunger Summit has been held on or near WFD since 2007, and is organized by the World Food Prize in conjunction with their annual symposium in Des Moines, Iowa.