How To Support World Food Day

Farms around the world produce enough food to feed more than the global population, yet nearly one in 11 people go to bed hungry every night. Hunger is one of the biggest problems faced by our planet today, caused by issues like conflict, climate change and the pandemic. That’s why World Food Day was created, aiming to raise awareness about food inequality and safety – and spread information about ways we can help vulnerable people suffering from malnutrition. This year the FAO is marking its 80th anniversary with a special programme of events centred around transforming agrifood systems.

World Food Day 2025: How To Get Involved

What Is World Food Day?

World Food Day takes place annually on 16 October. Its origins date back to 1945, when the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) was established as part of the United Nations, but the day was first celebrated as an official holiday in 1979. Today, it’s marked in 150 countries around the world, with a range of events taking place – all designed to promote awareness of hunger and inspire positive action for the future of food. 

What Is The Theme For 2025?

Since 2014, the primary focus has been on eliminating poverty in rural areas, but each year there is a dedicated theme. This year’s theme is ‘hand in hand for better foods and a better future’, highlighting the pivotal imbalance in our food system: while many parts of the world are struck by poverty and malnourishment, others are battling with obesity and high levels of food waste.

‘Agrifood systems are facing unprecedented challenges,’ reads the FAO’s website. ‘Conflict, the impacts of extreme weather and climate events, economic shocks, and rising inequality are placing mounting pressure on the land we farm, the water we depend on, and the biodiversity that supports life. Supply chains remain fragile, and the effects of disruption are being felt in homes, markets, and fields around the world.’

The organisation is calling for a restructuring of our global agrifood systems – which are all the interconnected activities involved in our food cycle, from the production to the consumption and the disposal. ‘By transforming agrifood systems, there is great potential to mitigate climate change and support peaceful, resilient and inclusive livelihoods for all,’ it reads.

Previous themes have included:

• 2024: ‘Right to foods for a better life and a better future’
• 2023: ‘Water is life, water is food’
• 2022: ‘Leave no one behind’
• 2021: ‘Safe food now for a healthy tomorrow’
• 2018: ‘Our actions are our future’

How Can You Take Part?

Firstly, you can get involved by simply learning and listening. You can tune into the United Nations’ live stream here, or follow along via the live blog. There are also plenty of resources online to learn about cutting food waste (we’ve got some top tips here). Plus, check out the FAO’s special stories series, which spotlight inspiring initiatives from all over the world, from how young beekeepers in Türkiye are turning hives into jobs, to the sustainable cocoa business in Sao Tome and Principe.

The FAO is also encouraging people to help raise awareness online under the hashtag #WorldFoodDay. Many chefs and influencers are already doing so, including chefs Max Mariola and Anahita Dhondy, and ethical fashion specialist Stella Jean.

On 17 October, a programme of events will be taking place for Junior World Food Day, featuring inspiring conversations and online workshops from youth activists and influencers about everything from food to music and dance. Tune in here.

If you want to do something bigger, you could organise a charity event, or volunteer – check out places like The Felix Project, FareShare and City Harvest. Alternatively, this is a good opportunity to donate to your local food bank.

Find out more at fao.org