World Hunger Day
When is World Hunger Day? This holiday is always held on May 28
It’s a hungry world. Hunger and starvation is a worldwide problem. And sadly, it’s nothing new. Humans have suffered and died from malnutrition and starvation since Adam and Eve left the Garden of Eden. Over eons of time, people have made efforts to alleviate hunger in the world. World Hunger Day recognizes the needs of millions of people around the world who currently face hunger and food insecurity. On this May 28 holiday, those in need have a voice. And, it is up to each and every one of us to hear their voices and to play a role to help them.
When you delve into the details and issues of hunger around the world, the situation appears dismal. In truth, it is. It has been a problem throughout history. You might think after all of this time, we could rally the resources of the world to end hunger. While we must never give up on the goal to have no one ever go hungry, reaching this goal is a long way off. So, it is imperative for every one of us to do everything within our power to help feed those in need.
There are several goals for this holiday. First, it raises awareness of the urgent need of people who are malnourished and starving. It brings recognition to the fact that the situation around the world is not getting better. Rather, it is getting worse, much worse. World Hunger Day implores us to do what we can to make a difference, Also, this day seeks to find tangible solutions to the food crisis.
Food Insecurity versus Starvation
The term “Food Insecurity” means you do not know when your next meal is coming, or if it will come. And, you likely have little or no control over the type or quality of the food you receive. One of the results of food insecurity is a poor and uneven diet lacking healthy foods that contain the vitamins and minerals that are essential to the body for growth and good health.
Starvation occurs when a person has little or no food for an extended period of time. The amount of food intake is less than the body needs to get through the day. This condition also makes a person more susceptible to diseases. And, it leaves the body unable to fight off a disease.
Hunger Trivia
- Every day, various organizations estimate that between 7,000 and 15,000 people die from starvation or malnutrition. Some estimates state as many as 9 million people die each year from starvation and hunger-related illnesses.
- Malnutrition affects the human body in many ways. On a long-term basis, the body becomes susceptible to diseases ultimately leading to death.
- Worldwide, 1 in 3 people suffer from food insecurity or starvation. Estimates of those affected range from 1 to 2.4 billion people.
- The world is capable of providing sufficient food for everyone on the planet.
- Insufficient food, food waste, war other factors often keep food from reaching those in need.
- The World Food Program (WFP) uses hot air balloons to get food to the hardest-to-reach areas in need.
- War and other man-made conflicts is the #1 cause of hunger. It diverts and redirects food aid. And, agriculture in war-torn areas is disrupted, too.
- A $15.00 donation will feed a child for a month.
How to Participate in World Hunger Day
There are so many ways you can make a difference on World Hunger Day. And, the need is so great. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:
- Begin in your local community. Almost certainly there are people in need near you. Look for organizations like church food shelves that feed people with little or nothing in their cupboards. Donate food and money to them.
- Hold a food drive to collect and donate what you collect to a local food support group.
- Become a leader in the fight against hunger.
- Volunteer to work at a local food shelf.
- After finding ways to assist those in your community, think about what you can do to help feed a hungry world. Then, take action.
- Encourage companies and organizations to donate to food relief organizations around the world.
- Encourage our national leaders to set aside funds to alleviate world hunger.
- “Waste not want not”.
- Make a cash donation to an international support organization.
- Look for ways you can eliminate food waste in your own home. Then with the money you save, donate that money to a food shelf.
- Support efforts to promote sustainable agriculture in impoverished areas of the world.
This Day in History
Here are some things that happened on this day:
- Dodge Brothers Inc. and Chrysler Corporation merge. (1928)
- Abraham Lincoln makes a famous quote: “You can fool some of the people all of the time, all of the people some of the time, but you can’t fool all of the people all of time”. (1849)
- Ian Fleming, the novelist most famous for creating James Bond movies is born. (1908)
Today's Quotes
“The hunger for love is much more difficult to remove than the hunger for bread.” – – Mother Teresa
“If we can conquer space, we can conquer childhood hunger.” – – Buzz Aldrin, Astronaut
History and Origin of World Hunger Day
The Hunger Project UK created World Hunger Day in 2011. According to the organization’s website, the goal of this day is to “unite people and organizations to amplify the voices of those facing hunger.” Of course, they are also calling upon all of us to do our part for those who are facing food insecurity or worse. The United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) has become a major supporter and promoter of this holiday and efforts to reduce and eliminate worldwide hunger.
More May 28 Holidays
More About Today
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Recipe of the Day: Asparagus with Dijon and Lemon
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