Mark your calendar for the World Food Day Twitter Chat (Oct 15, 10-11 AM EDT)
Healthy Diets for a #ZeroHunger World
Join the #WorldFoodDay Twitter Chat #WFDChat
What: Join FAO North America and Chef’s Manifesto for the World Food Day Twitter Chat on how we can make heathy and sustainable diets available and affordable to all.
When: Tuesday, 15 October from 10-11 AM EDT
Why: As overweight rates soar worldwide and food production systems negatively affect the planet, this year World Food Day will call for action to make healthy and sustainable diets available and affordable to everyone. At the same time, we are asking you to start thinking about what you eat. Governments, decision makers, private businesses, civil society - and YOU - can take action to achieve healthy, sustainable diets and #ZeroHunger.
How to join: The @FAONorthAmerica account will post the following questions during the hour-long #WFDChat.
- Today there are more overweight and obese people than undernourished people. What are the main challenges of making healthy and sustainable diets accessible and affordable for all?
- What role should we all play to deliver healthy, sustainable diets for all i.e. farmers, chefs, government, NGOs, civil society, youth etc.?
- Today only nine plant species account for 66% of total crop production despite more than 6000 food species that have been cultivated for food. How can we diversify our diets and agricultural production?
- Climate change threatens to reduce crop yields as well as the nutrient quality. How can we promote food systems that ensure healthy people and a healthy planet in a changing climate?
- What is a healthy eating habit that works for you? Do you have a favorite recipe, cooking book, or other tips that you can share?
- How are you commemorating #WorldFoodDay this year?
Participants: Include hashtag #WFDChat. You do not need to include the answer number.
Background information
A combination of unhealthy diets and sedentary lifestyles has sent obesity rates soaring, in not only developed countries, but also in low-income countries, where hunger and obesity often coexist. Obesity and other forms of malnutrition affect nearly one in three people, with over 670 million adults and 120 million girls and boys (5-19 years) obese, while over 800 million people suffer from hunger. A quarter of the world population, or an estimated two billion people, do not have regular access to safe, nutritious and sufficient food.
At the same time, the food we grow and eat is contributing to a climate crisis that will not only reduce crop yields but also reduce the nutrient quality of our foods. Affordable solutions exist to reduce all forms of malnutrition and safeguard the health of the planet, but they require greater global commitment and action.
A healthy diet is one that meets the nutritional needs of individuals by providing sufficient, safe, nutritious and diverse foods to lead an active life and reduce the risk of disease. It includes, among others, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds and whole grains, and foods that are low in fats (especially saturated fats), sugar and salt. The good news is that these nutrient rich foods are also better for the planet.
Learn more about World Food Day: www.fao.org/world-food-day