World Food Day 2024, celebrated on October 16th, brings attention to the theme “Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future.” This theme emphasizes the critical importance of ensuring everyone has access to diverse, nutritious, affordable, and safe foods. As we face global challenges such as climate change, economic instability, and conflicts, the right to food becomes even more essential for building a sustainable and equitable future.
The Importance of Food Diversity
Diversity in our food systems is crucial for both human health and environmental sustainability. A greater variety of foods in our fields, markets, and on our tables ensures that people eat a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients. This diversity also supports agricultural biodiversity, which is vital for resilient ecosystems. Promoting the cultivation and consumption of a wide range of crops can reduce our dependence on a few staple foods and enhance food security.
In the face of difficulties in obtaining healthy, fresh, and nutritious foods, the widespread availability of unhealthy foods tends to be prioritised. This imbalance leads to a limited selection of healthy choices, forming "food swamps" where unhealthy options dominate. Compounding the issue is the spatial segregation along racial, income, and socioeconomic lines, exacerbating the excessive consumption of unhealthy foods.
Nutrition and Health
Access to nutritious food is a fundamental human right. Malnutrition, in all its forms, remains a significant global challenge. Undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and obesity affect millions of people worldwide, with severe consequences for health and development. Ensuring that everyone has access to a variety of nutritious foods can help combat these issues and improve overall health outcomes. Nutritious diets are essential for physical and cognitive development, particularly in children, and for preventing chronic diseases in adults.
Affordability and Accessibility
Food must be affordable and accessible to all. Economic disparities often mean that the most vulnerable populations cannot afford healthy diets. Policies and initiatives supporting fair pricing, nutritious food subsidies, and improved food distribution systems are essential. Additionally, local food production and community-based agriculture can play a significant role in making healthy foods more accessible and affordable.
At present, the South African Government enforces a 15% VAT on the majority of food products. Except for certain zero-rated food items like brown bread, maize meal, dried beans, lentils, pilchards, milk and milk powder, rice, fresh vegetables, fruit, vegetable oil, eggs, and legumes (such as peas and soya), all other goods are taxed. Broadening this list to encompass additional items (such as chicken, processed fruit, and frozen vegetables) would enable those in need to obtain a more extensive selection of affordable and varied food options.
Food Safety and Sustainability
Food safety is another critical aspect of the right to food. Contaminated food can lead to severe health issues and even death. Ensuring that food is safe from production to consumption is vital. This includes proper handling, storage, and preparation practices. Moreover, sustainable food systems are necessary to protect our environment and ensure that future generations can enjoy the same right to food. Sustainable practices include reducing food waste, promoting organic farming, and supporting local food systems.
Conclusion
In 2024, World Food Day emphasizes the need for worldwide efforts to guarantee access to food for an improved quality of life and a brighter tomorrow. Through prioritising diversity, nutrition, affordability, accessibility, safety, and sustainability, we can establish a planet where all individuals have the chance to enjoy a healthy and rewarding life.
Join us in this movement and work towards a future where everyone is involved in the fight against hunger and malnutrition.
Sources:
1) Food diversity and accessibility enabled urban environments for sustainable food consumption: a case study of Brisbane, Australia | Humanities and Social Sciences Communications (nature.com)
Good article, yes very few people eat a balanced diet, or can afford it.