World Food Day is observed globally on October 16. It’s an initiative by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations to recognize that 820 million of the world population suffers from hunger and many more are malnourished due to lack of access to food.
This year the FAO looks towards advocating for zero hunger along with creating awareness about healthy eating habits to counter the problem of obesity and overweight. The idea is to ensure enough nutritious food for everyone, everywhere.
And as a country that ranks 94 among 117 countries in the Global Hunger Index, Pakistan needs to do more and play its part in eradicating hunger and malnourishment. While the major responsibility lies on the government, we too can play our part because every little counts.
Related: Why Mothers Are Finding It Difficult To Breastfeed Their Infants In Pakistan
Here are four things we can do to help eradicate hunger in Pakistan:
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Hand Out Food Boxes
One in five people in Pakistan are malnourished. We see them on the streets every day or in our homes, doing menial jobs. This World Food Day we can give out food boxes and pledge to carry on this work throughout the year.
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Don’t Throw Away Leftovers
Many of us have the privilege to afford food and sustain a healthy living. However, owing to the easy access to food we have, we sometimes don’t think twice before wasting food. An estimated 36 million tons of food is wasted in Pakistan every year.
This food can be used to feed those who do not have the same access to food as we do, even though it’s a basic human right. We can hence, do as little as not throw away leftovers and instead hand them to those who need it.
As for restaurants and wedding halls, there are organizations like the Robin Hood Army that collects leftovers. All you have to do is call them and they will send in their trucks to collect food. One call can make a huge difference to the lives of those who sleep hungry, almost everyday.
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Eat Healthy
The World Food Day doesn’t only look towards eradicating hunger but also obesity. There is an increasing instance of obesity in Pakistan, with nearly 9 million adults being obese.
Our eating habits directly affects our lifestyles and perhaps it’s time to change them for the better.
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Pledge To Contribute To A Charity
There are many not-for-profit organizations that work towards feeding homeless or underprivileged people in Pakistan. If we can’t do as much as go out ourselves and hand over food boxes, we should donate to such charities, like the Saylani Welfare Trust, who would do that for us.
A little monthly contribution can go a long way.
