Food is a quintessential part of being human. Be it social gatherings, exchanging courtesy, hospitality or basic nutrition, our world revolves around food. We as a species, have evolved to appreciate eating as much as an act through which we derive pleasure as one that is a necessity.

While we too often overlook food as a mundane part of our existence, it is easy to be oblivious to millions that do not have access to safe food or adequate nutrition. Marked every year on the 16^th of October, World Food Day is celebrated to commemorate the inauguration of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and to therein shed light on and strengthen the much necessary efforts to tackle global hunger and malnutrition. On this day we, together with millions across all of the UN member countries, come to gather to declare our commitment to eradicate worldwide hunger in our lifetime.

With 9 billion mouths expected to join the metaphorical global dinner table by the year 2050, it is paramount that every step we take is a conscious one towards achieving the goal of ensuring all 9 billion leave well-fed. Food wastage, changes in the environment and unfair distribution of wealth, are all factors which contribute to global hunger.

While an estimated 820 million suffer from chronic undernourishment, it should also be noted that the obesity pandemic remains an issue of global concern, with an estimated 672 million suffering from obesity and a further 1.3 billion overweight, especially in the developing and developed worlds. Hence the theme of this years World Food Day is ‘Healthy diet for a #zerohunger World’. 

FAO raises concern over the consequences of dramatic changes to our diets that has resulted from rapid urbanization and globalization in the past few decades. A shift from dietscomposed of seasonal produce, and mainly plant-based, fibre-rich food to ones that are heavy on processed starches, sugars, fats and meat, coupled with a change is lifestyles that sees less time being spent in home kitchens and more meals had over fast food tables has culminated in the soaring of global obesity rates. Added to the aforementioned is an increasingly sedentary approach to living which projects these numbers to only increase without intervention. 

A move towards whole foods, farmers markets and home-made meals and a more active lifestyle would seem like the obvious solution, but it is often not as straight forward. Increased urbanization and an ever-increasing pace of life means this simply is not an option to many in the developing world. Nevertheless, conscious efforts can be made to improve our diets, either in what we choose to take in on a daily basis, or the amount. Reading the labels on your food products, knowing what is in it and where it comes from, checking for healthier alternatives that fit your budget, and whenever possible, including greens and fruits, taking time to cook your own food and to exercise are all steps that can improve your longevity and quality of life, preventing chronic and debilitating illnesses in the process. 

In keeping with the theme for the day, FESA plans on promoting healthy eating among its students through the event ‘Maakunbe’s Healthy Diet”. Students of the Faculty of Education will bring in unprocessed fruits and whole foods to be shared communally among the members of the faculty in an effort to place emphasis on the vital role plant-based food plays in our diet and the importance of including fruits and vegetables in our daily intake.

Written by: Hassan Hussain

Student, Faculty of Education