World Food Day is celebrated each year on the 16th of October, and is a way to honour the funding date of the Food & Agriculture Organisation, which was rolled out in 1945. Food security is the major crux and focus on this day, and several organisations that are concerned with food security, celebrate and recognise food as a staple that truly makes the world go round.

This year, the theme for World Food Day revolves around food migration, security and rural development. Regardless of the progress we make on a global scale, hunger and poverty still grip us at the very root of all our problems. Whenever there is a war, people flee from one continent to another, and are left with less than bare minimum to sustain themselves with. Food, undoubtedly, forms the very foundation of our existence. But during such harsh times, which are more often uncalled for, or come without a warning, leaves thousands without a single grain, let alone a complete meal.

This World Food Day, different groups of people are coming together to put light on certain issues, which calls for action on a global scale. Rural development addresses factors that force the masses to come up with different business opportunities, which help the youth get jobs and a means to earn their livelihood. These jobs could centre around dairy produce, or be crop-based. By creating such opportunities, we provide the world with better access to living a complete life, and without the social strain or stigma that springs from poverty. Sustainable growth is the problem we face today, but by laying the groundwork through active participation and action, we can cut the losses, and pave the way for a brighter future for the less privileged.

In order to create further ripples of opportunity and growth in this area, The Ponty Chadha Foundation has tied up with India Food Banking Network (IFBN). This is a national level project, started by Aidmatrix Foundation and Cargill India, under the chairmanship of Dr. Sam Pitroda, which supports thousands of feeding programmes that already exist throughout India. This national pioneering hunger relief programme leverages food banking, and vows to provide better living to those in need.

The yearly celebration of World Food Day is pivotal in representing the significance of the Food & Agricultural organisation across the world. Through this day, we increase awareness around the need of impactful agriculture and food-based strategies, which can help benefit the societies at large. The day is a chance for us to implement food policies that ensure sufficient supply of food articles across different communities and sections of society.