World Food Day

World Food Day is celebrated on October 16 every year. It was started by the United Nations in 1979. The day reminds people that everyone deserves access to healthy food. Sadly, many people in the world still go hungry every day.

Why Food Matters

Good food gives your body the energy it needs to grow, learn, and play. About 735 million people in the world do not have enough food to eat. Many of these people are children. Not having enough food makes it hard to stay healthy and focus in school. World Food Day encourages everyone to help solve this problem.

How People Help

On World Food Day, communities hold food drives to collect meals for those in need. Schools teach kids about nutrition and where food comes from. Some groups plant community gardens to grow fresh vegetables. Farmers and scientists work on better ways to grow food. You can help by not wasting food and sharing with those who need it.

Fun Facts

• The world produces enough food to feed everyone, but it is not shared equally.
• About one-third of all food produced in the world is wasted each year.
• Rice is the main food for more than half of the world's population.

Did You Know?

A school lunch program can change a child's life. In many countries, the meal kids eat at school is the only full meal they get each day.