THE right to access healthy food options at an affordable cost is something we often take for granted, given that food choices in Guyana are vast and easily accessible for most. As far back as 1945, the United Nations recognised food as not a privilege but a right. Since 1979, the global community has observed World Food Day on October 16 to draw attention to the plight of the hungry, and highlight the need for a healthy diet for all.

The theme of World Food Day 2022 is “LEAVE NO ONE BEHIND”. Although we have made progress towards building a better world, too many people have been left behind; people who are unable to benefit from human development, innovation or economic growth. In fact, millions of people around the world cannot afford a healthy diet, putting them at high risk of food insecurity and malnutrition. Ending hunger isn’t only about supply; enough food is produced today to feed everyone on the planet.

The problem is access and availability of nutritious food, which is increasingly impeded by multiple challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, conflict, climate change, inequality, rising prices, and international tensions. People around the world are suffering the domino effects of challenges that know no borders. So this theme encourages people and governments worldwide to focus on solving these challenges.

THE SIGNIFICANCE
The importance of food is obvious and essential. Healthy food provides us the nutrients and energy to develop, grow, be active, move, play, work, think, and learn. Foods are directly related to our body, and mental and social health, because each food or liquid contains particular nutrition such as carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, minerals, fats, etc., which are essential for our physical and mental growth.

Today, most of the food energy requirement of the world’s ever-increasing population is supplied by the industrial food industry, which produces food with intensive agriculture, and distributes it through complex food processing and distribution systems. This system has been very successful in our world, with regard to making all types of food very affordable and accessible all over the world. Despite these advancements, it is still seen that a large number of people are still hungry, demonstrating inequalities in food production and availability.

Our planet currently produces enough food to feed every person on the planet. However, it is estimated that about 1.3 billion tons of food is lost or wasted annually in our world, which makes up about 20 per cent of the total food produced in a year, and if this food is saved, then it can feed every hungry person on our world. So, this day also aims to raise awareness on the issue of food wastage.
Millions of people worldwide continue to suffer from the health consequences of malnourishment, which damages growing bodies and brains. That’s why these effects their immune system, making them prone to various diseases, and also makes them physically weak, thereby reducing their productivity.

How can YOU celebrate World Food Day?
1. Choose a sustainable diet with less meat, and locally-sourced produce
2. Avoid food waste
3. Start your own kitchen garden
4. Support local farmers
5. Volunteer in activities to eliminate hunger

You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O ECEA Programme, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube channel.