World Food Day 2022: Theme, Global Issues & Foods to Include in Your Diet

Keeping this in mind, every year, World Food Day is celebrated on October 16, to spread awareness about problems like food insecurity and malnutrition.

It also commemorates the founding of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization in 1945. Governments, corporations, general public, and media come together in hundreds of events throughout the globe to raise awareness of and take action for those who are suffering from hunger.

It is important to mention that India ranks 107 out of 121 countries on the Global Hunger Index with adequate data to calculate 2022 GHI scores. Now many of you may be wondering as to what is GHI?

Global Hunger Index or GHI is basically a technique for fully measuring and monitoring hunger at the international, regional, and national levels. Undernourishment, child stunting, child wasting, and child mortality are the four components on which the Global Health Index (GHI) scores are based. The GHI score is determined using a 100-point scale, with zero representing the best result (no hunger), and 100 representing the worst.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in a tweet said that “We, the consumers, must act to ensure that no one is left behind. We can change food systems for the better by being more responsible & showing greater empathy in our choices & actions.”

Theme of World food day 2022

The theme for this year is - "Leave NO ONE behind". The FAO said that present-day global issues are rapidly impeding access to the availability of nutrient-dense food. The issue is particularly severe for the 80% of "very poor" people who live in rural areas. They suffer the most from both natural as well as man-made disasters.

FAO further said that “In the face of global crises, global solutions are needed more than ever. By aiming for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, we can transform agrifood systems and build forward better by implementing sustainable and holistic solutions that consider development in the long term, inclusive economic growth, and greater resilience.”

Two Major Food Issues Across the World

Right now, there are two big food-related issues that the entire globe is fighting with;

• The issue of hunger that ultimately leads to abnormal growth in children, malnutrition, and fatalities.

• And the consumption of a healthy diet, which is a challenge for both - the wealthy and the poor. This problem can further result in lifestyle issues like diabetes and obesity.

5 foods to include in your daily diet for a healthy life

Vegetables and fruits

If you want to stay away from any disease, then you must include green vegetables and fruits in your diet regularly. Believe me, if you eat fresh and seasonal fruits and veggies then you will never face any health issues.

Pulses

Every person must include pulses in their diet as they are full of nutrients and protein.  Make arhar, moong, gram, etc. lentils a part of your meal that will help protect you from various diseases.

Dry fruits

Include dry fruits like cashews, almonds, and pistachios in your diet as they will strengthen your immune system and help fight many health problems.

Dairy products

Milk, curd, cheese, ghee, and buttermilk must be consumed on a daily basis as it will ensure that there is no shortage of calcium, vitamin-D, and many other nutrients in your body.

Eggs

Eggs contain valuable protein and 13 essential vitamins and minerals besides necessary omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants.

An average serving of 2 eggs contains:

• 82% of your daily vitamin D requirements.

• 50% of your daily folate requirements.

• 25% of your daily riboflavin (Vitamin B2) requirements.

• 40% of your daily selenium requirements.

Eggs also contain useful amounts of vitamins A, E, B5, B12, as well as iron, iodine and phosphorus – all vital nutrients in supporting your healthy, balanced diet.