World Food Day 2020 and FAO’s 75th Anniversary is being marked during a very exceptional time as many countries are dealing with the widespread effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. World Food Day should as a result be considered as an opportunity to call for global cooperation and solidarity to make sure the threats COVID-19 is posing to food security and agricultural livelihoods are confronted and the most vulnerable are able to get back on their feet. It is also an occasion to sensitize the public on how everybody has a role to play in transforming our food systems by changing the way we produce, transform, consume and waste our food. 

While many FAO offices and partners may need to reconsider the format of World Food Day (WFD) events with a view to developing new activities that respect physical distancing, or by holding online events, we should do our best to harness this opportunity to call for action. 

#WorldFoodDay and #FAO75 are aligned with the spirit of the UN’s 75th commemoration, occurring also this year, by looking into the future we need to build together. It will also consider FAO’s priorities including digital agriculture, innovation and greater partnership and collaboration in transforming food systems to provide enough nutritious food for a growing population. 

GROW, NOURISH, SUSTAIN. TOGETHER. 

The COVID-19 global health crisis has been a time to reflect on the things we truly cherish and our most basic needs. These uncertain times have made many of us rekindle our appreciation for a thing that some take for granted and many go without: food. 

Food is the essence of life and the bedrock of our cultures and communities. Preserving access to safe and nutritious food is and will continue to be an essential part of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly for poor and vulnerable communities, who are hardest hit hardest by the pandemic and resulting economic shocks. 

In a moment like this, it is more important than ever to recognise the need to support our food heroes - farmers and workers throughout the food system - who are making sure that food makes its way from farm to fork even amid disruptions as unprecedented as the current COVID-19 crisis. 

Date: 16 October 2020 

For more information, visit the World Food Day website