Forty-four million — that’s the number of people who are considered food insecure in the United States. That’s roughly 13% of the country’s population, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Worldwide, that number is 785 million, or about one in nine people.
On Oct. 16, we recognize World Food Day, when more than 150 countries unite to raise awareness of the issues surrounding poverty and hunger. The day was founded in 1945 by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Numerous other organizations also recognize the day. In 2020, the World Food Programme was awarded the Nobel Prize in Peace for its efforts to combat hunger, promote peace in conflict zones and lead the fight against the use of food as a weapon in war and conflict.
Each year, there is a different theme for World Food Day. This year’s theme is “Right to food for a better life and a better future.”
To mark the day, a World Food Day Global Ceremony will take place at the FAO headquarters.
There are many ways people can take part in World Food Day celebrations — from musical performances to roundtable discussions. FAO offers a wide range of ideas about how you can bring attention to this growing crisis.