World Food Day: Food is a Right, Not a Privilege

• Written by Yash

  Reviewed by Akhil Pillai

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What if you woke up tomorrow, your stomach twisting in knots, fearing and uncertain where your next meal will come from—and the day after, and the day after that? While it may sound nightmarish to you, unfortunately, it’s a reality for over 800 million people worldwide who go to bed hungry. At least 1 in 11 people sleep hungry each day.

Looking at the big picture, the world’s population is expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050. This means we must produce 60% more food and conserve enough water to feed everyone.

But how do we achieve this, or produce food, when 2 billion people already live in regions facing severe water shortages? By 2026, half of the global population will begin experiencing water scarcity. By 2030, severe water scarcity can displace more than 699 million people. And by 2040, 1 out of 4 children will reside in a high water scarcity area.

These figures are alarming, considering we are already on the verge of entering 2026. Therefore, World Food Day 2025, brings attention to a critical issue: water. With the theme, “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future.”, the focus is crystal clear. By working together, across governments, organisations, sectors, and communities, we can transform agrifood systems to ensure that everyone has access to a healthy diet, living in harmony with the planet.

What is World Food Day?

World Food Day is celebrated every year on October 16th, marking the anniversary of the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations in 1945. This day reminds us that despite continuous advancements in food production and distribution, hunger and malnutrition remain significant global challenges.

What is the Importance of World Food Day?

Global events like World Food Day are always more than just a calendar date. They directly signal a global call to action drawing attention to millions worldwide who still suffer from hunger and malnutrition.

If we speak of India, the nation may indeed be the second-largest food producer on a global scale, yet it made it to the list of 125 nations with hunger, as per the latest Global Hunger Index. In fact, the level of hunger in India is marked as “serious,” according to the study. With a population of 1.4 billion, India remains undernourished, with over 190 million hungry individuals. Even more concerning is that this number has constantly risen in recent years.

However, the theme of World Food Day this year encourages people from all walks of life to come together and find sustainable solutions to ensure food security for all. This day is not just about feeding people for a day but about finding long-term solutions that ensure no one goes to bed hungry again.

What is the Main Focus in 2025?

The main focus for World Food Day 2025 is global collaboration to transform agrifood systems so that everyone has access to healthy, sustainable diets, while nurturing the planet.

FAO frames this under four interlinked “Better” pillars:

• Better Production
• Better Nutrition
• Better Environment
• Better Life

It’s also tied to FAO’s 80th anniversary and will highlight knowledge sharing, partnerships, science, innovation, and inclusive action across sectors and communities.

Why Global Collaboration in Food Systems Matters?

Global collaboration in food systems is essential in 2025 because hunger, climate change, and inequality are no longer local issues; they are interconnected global challenges. No single nation can solve food scarcity alone. Extreme weather, rising food prices, supply chain disruptions, and conflicts affect food availability worldwide. That’s why the World Food Day 2025 theme, “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future,” emphasises the need for countries, communities, businesses, and individuals to work together.

Collaboration helps share knowledge, technology, and resources so that farmers can produce more sustainably, governments can implement better policies, and organisations can support vulnerable populations. It also encourages partnerships for innovation, like climate-smart agriculture, responsible water use, and food waste reduction. When nations join hands, we create stronger, fairer agrifood systems that ensure healthy, affordable food for everyone while protecting the planet for future generations

What Factors are Contributing to the Current Food Security Crisis?

Looking back, the COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing conflicts, and the increasing effects of climate change have exacerbated the global food crisis. According to the GHI (Global Hunger Index), 58 countries will not eliminate hunger levels by 2030. This is a severe form of hunger that can even cause death if not addressed sooner.

Currently, 65% of food-insecure people reside in fragile regions under economic or geographical conflict. In 2024 alone, an estimated 309 million people across 71 countries are expected to face acute food insecurity. Even more alarming, about 37.2 million individuals in 47 countries are projected to experience worse food insecurity. So much so that they will require urgent help to protect both their livelihoods and lives.

This rising crisis calls for global actions like World Food Day to address the underlying causes and offer immediate support to those most vulnerable.

How to Celebrate World Food Day?

Making a difference doesn’t always require any grand gestures. Small, consistent actions can significantly impact global food and water security. Here are a few ways you can celebrate World Food Day:

Support Local Farmers

Start buying from local farmers’ markets. Supporting local agriculture reduces the carbon footprint associated with food transportation and encourages sustainable farming practices.

Conserve Water

Be mindful of your water use. Fix leaks, install water-saving devices, and avoid wasting water in daily activities. The less water we waste collectively, the more we ensure there’s enough for food production.

Reduce Food Waste

Around one-third of all food produced globally is wasted, amounting to almost 1.3 billion tons annually. This is approximately $1 trillion, more than enough to feed 3 billion individuals. By reducing food waste at home, you can help fight hunger. Plan meals, store food properly, and compost the food scraps.

Use Your Voice for Change

Advocate for policies that support sustainable agriculture and water management. Encourage governments to invest in infrastructure that improves farmers' water access. There should be equitable water distribution.

Donate to Organisations Fighting Hunger

Many global organisations, such as the World Food Programme (WFP), work to fight hunger and improve water access in vulnerable regions. You can support their efforts by donating.

Support Sustainable Brands

Choose to buy from brands prioritising sustainability in farming, production, and water management practices.

Educate Yourself and Others

Staying informed and educating others about water and food security is highly important. Share what you learn, raise awareness, and encourage collective action.

Wrapping Up!

World Food Day reminds us that we all have a role to play in achieving global food and water security. We can ensure that everyone has access to enough food and clean water by taking small steps.

Moreover, these resources not only sustain life but also have a direct impact on your overall health. Today, protecting your health is just as important. Good nutrition and clean water are essential for maintaining well-being. However, unexpected health challenges can still arise.

That’s where health insurance becomes essential. Having the right health coverage protects you from unforeseen medical expenses, especially when complications like malnutrition or waterborne diseases affect vulnerable populations.

In a nutshell, just as we take a step to protect our planet’s resources on World Food Day, it is equally wise to secure our health with a comprehensive health insurance plan. Care Health Insurance offers plans that cover medical emergencies and provide peace of mind, ensuring you focus on living a healthier, more sustainable life.

>> Also Read: Best Food Items to Keep Your Immune System Strong

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