The annual event is being supported in over 150 countries, and FoodFoward SA is playing its part.
Hunger kills more people every year than malaria, tuberculosis and AIDS combined. This year on 16 October FoodForward SA celebrates World Food Day by participating in one of the events organised in over 150 countries across the world, in commemoration of the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in 1945.
This contributes to the FAO’s aim is to achieve Zero Hunger by 2030, which is well underway with 72 out of the 129 countries having already achieved the target of halving the proportion of people who suffer from hunger by 2015.
The day is celebrated globally by many other organisations concerned with food security, including the World Food Programme and the International Fund for Agricultural Development. The theme for this year is ‘Change the future of migration. Invest in food security and rural development’.
In an effort to raise mass awareness about the food insecurity problem in South Africa,
Knorr has joined forces with FoodForward SA to launch a social media campaign where for every Facebook post or tweet with the hashtag, #ShareAMealSA on 16 October one meal is donated. For every food post with the hashtag, your virtual meal will be turned into a real meal to feed a hungry child.
“Investing in sustainable food systems and rural development means addressing some of the major global challenges – from feeding the world’s growing population to protecting the global climate, and tackling some of the root causes of migration and displacement,” says the FAO.
“By investing in rural development, the international community can also harness migration’s potential to support development and build the resilience of displaced and host communities, thereby laying the ground for long-term recovery and inclusive and sustainable growth.”
The Pauline Podbrey Foundation is one of the many NGOs that FoodForward SA partners with this World Food Day. With the help of Knorr, over 200 nutritious meals and giveaways will be provided.
The youth of Makhaza township in Khayelitsha, are confronted with overwhelming odds on a daily basis and the goal at the Pauline Podbrey Foundation and the City Master Sports and Education Club, is to protect the youngsters of the area. Surrounded by drugs and gang violence, the initiatives assist in providing positive influences and growth through sport and education. “Their mission is to renew their youthful joy and optimism and a belief that they can look forward to a meaningful future!” says a representative from the Foundation.