16 October is a date that draws global attention to World Food Day, an occasion that goes far beyond mere commemoration: it is a call to reflection and action. Established by FAO, this day highlights the urgent challenges of hunger and malnutrition, prompting us to consider the fundamental role each of us can play in ensuring equitable and sustainable access to food. In a global context where food security is increasingly threatened, World Food Day urges us to actively engage for a future where no one is left behind.

The Origins of World Food Day

World Food Day was established in 1979 during the 20th General Conference of FAO. It was created with the intention of raising awareness among governments, organisations, communities and individuals about the importance of global food security and the need to end world hunger. The date of 16 October was chosen in honour of the anniversary of FAO’s founding in 1945.

Since its inception, World Food Day has become an international platform to discuss and address issues related to food production, distribution and access to food. Each year, this day features a specific theme that reflects the most pressing challenges and opportunities in the food sector.

Why is World Food Day Important?

World Food Day is not only an occasion to celebrate achievements in agriculture and food security, it is also an opportunity to highlight persistent problems and the actions that need to be taken to address them.

One of the main objectives of the day is to raise awareness about world hunger. According to the 2023 SOFI (State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World) report, approximately 768 million people worldwide suffer from chronic hunger. This alarming figure highlights the importance of a global effort to ensure that everyone has access to an adequate and nutritious diet.

In addition to hunger, World Food Day highlights other critical issues such as malnutrition, agricultural sustainability and the impact of climate change on food production. FAO is using this day to promote innovative and sustainable solutions that can improve agricultural production, reduce food waste and ensure that all people have access to enough healthy food.

The 2024 Theme: ‘Food for All

The theme chosen for World Food Day 2024 is ‘Food for All’, an invitation to

reconsider the way we produce, distribute and consume food. This theme emphasises the need for a radical change in agricultural practices and natural resource management to address the challenges of global food security.

In a world where resources are finite and the population continues to grow, it is crucial to adopt sustainable approaches that respect the environment and ensure the availability of food for future generations. The 2024 theme calls on everyone – from governments to businesses, from non-governmental organisations to individual citizens – to play their part in creating a more equitable and sustainable food system.

Opportunity’s Commitment

As a food and beverage company, Opportunity is committed every day to improving the production processes of the companies we work with, promoting the adoption of sustainable technologies and practices. We firmly believe that innovation in the food sector is the key to solving many of today’s food safety challenges.

Our mission is to support companies in the transition to more efficient and environmentally friendly production models, thereby helping to ensure fair and sustainable access to food for all. On World Food Day, we renew our commitment to promote sustainability and innovation in the sector, because we believe that only through a collective effort is it possible to build a future where no one has to go hungry.

What can you do?

Participating in World Food Day is simple. You can start by educating yourself about hunger and malnutrition issues, supporting organisations working to improve global food security and adopting more sustainable food practices in your daily life.

Reducing food waste, choosing local and seasonal products, and supporting policies that promote agricultural sustainability are just some of the actions we can take to contribute to a more just and sustainable food system.

World Food Day reminds us of the importance of ensuring that everyone, everywhere in the world, has access to safe, nutritious and sufficient food. It is a time to reflect on the challenges we still face and to renew our commitment to building a future where no one has to worry about where their next meal will come from.

At Opportunity, we are proud to do our part, working every day to improve production processes and promote a more sustainable food system. Join us in this mission, and together we can make a difference.