World Food Day, celebrated annually on 16th October, is a global call to action to address food insecurity, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and raise awareness about the importance of a nutritious diet for all. Organised by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, this day highlights the ongoing challenges of hunger and malnutrition, while also recognising the role that sustainable food systems play in ensuring food security.

The theme for World Food Day 2024, “Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future,” stresses the fundamental right of every individual to access sufficient, safe, and nutritious food. It highlights the role of food security in improving quality of life and shaping a better future for individuals, families, and communities. Food is not only essential for physical survival but also for mental and emotional well-being, and this theme calls for global solidarity in ensuring that no one goes hungry.

Despite advancements in agriculture, millions of people still suffer from hunger and malnutrition. According to the FAO, over 828 million people experience chronic hunger, with malnutrition affecting millions more, especially children. This year’s theme underscores the need to address the root causes of food insecurity, particularly for vulnerable populations in developing regions. Adequate access to food is essential for personal and societal growth, making it a critical factor in securing a brighter, more equitable future for all.

We at Child Help Foundation (CHF) address hunger and malnutrition, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Through our Zero Hunger Programme, we have assisted 26,75,278 children, significantly improving nutrition and reducing child mortality rates. By ensuring children receive nutritious meals and promoting awareness of proper nutrition, our initiatives align with World Food Day’s goals of securing the right to food and fostering healthier communities.

In addition to the Zero Hunger Programme, we have launched the Atmanirbhar Palghar initiative in collaboration with ISKCON to combat child malnutrition in India’s tribal regions. Under this programme, we monitor key health indicators in children, such as height, weight, haemoglobin, and BMI, grading them on a health scale to track their nutritional progress. The initiative operates in 30 villages within the Palghar district and aims to expand further.

As part of the initiative, we provide children with nutritious barfis—snacks made from a mix of healthy ingredients such as grains, nuts, and jaggery—and conduct regular health check-ups. These efforts, alongside educating parents about the importance of a balanced diet, aim to ensure that children receive the nutrients they need for healthy development. In partnership with local health authorities, we also provide anti-worm medication and Iron-Folic Acid supplements to address specific nutritional deficiencies.

Addressing hunger requires collective action, and anyone can make a difference. You can support us by donating to our food programmes, volunteering to distribute meals, or raising awareness about the importance of food security. Small actions, such as reducing food waste, organising local food drives, or advocating for policies that prioritise food access, can also have a profound impact on reducing hunger and helping those in need. Together, we can ensure that everyone has the right to food and a brighter future.

World Food Day 2024 reminds us that the right to food is essential for a better life and a better future. With millions still struggling with hunger and malnutrition, global action is needed to ensure equitable food distribution and sustainable agricultural practices. Our initiatives, such as the Zero Hunger Programme and the Atmanirbhar Palghar project, demonstrate how targeted efforts can make a lasting impact on children’s nutrition and overall well-being.

Join hands with us to help make this vision a reality. Your involvement can contribute to a future where every child has access to nutritious food and the opportunity to thrive.