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October 16 each year since 1945, is celebrated as Global World Food Day to commemorate the establishment of United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation. Aimed at creating an awareness about the lack of access to a significant number of people around the globe, it is observed to create an awareness on the importance of wholesome, sustainable and consistent food for all. Celebrated in 150 countries with a wide number of social activities, the 2023 theme focusses on the need for water management and conservation.
While we think of the larger picture of how food wastage and shortage are inversely problematic, making some changes in the way we consume can contribute to the collective effort in creating a balance of resources and a consistent supply of nutritious ingredients. As a way of working towards the betterment of our home kitchens as well as the nourishment of the community at large, choosing to educate oneself and plan effectively can greatly benefit the cause.
Right Quantities
As tricky that might be to achieve on an everyday basis, cooking close to the approximation of as much as a family needs reduces the chances of food being leftover. Most often, small quantities of rice or dals are stored in the refrigerator until it is well past its prime, before being discarded – adding to the collectively generated food waste. Small habits like serving oneself only as much as the appetite demands can be a great means to the end. Even repurposing leftovers like rotis, sabzi or small amounts of ingredients in innovative recipes is helpful to utilise it.
Visit A Farm
Paying visit to a farm in or on the outskirts of your city or town is a first-hand lesson in getting to know how our food grows and where it comes from. Participate in activities like watering the crop, sowing seeds or harvesting fruits and vegetables for a sensory experience of the food one eats. Buying produce from independent farmers, although slightly expensive, can be a great way to eat quality ingredients that add to your longevity – while also supporting a crop cycle.
Take A Walk
What most urban dwellers miss out on is imbuing a sense of awareness about the access one has to food from their immediate natural surroundings. Activities like foraging is an excellent way to identify edible plant species and also develop the skill that is necessary to cook with them. Engage with a local farmer or vegetable vendor to get a sense of what is in season and if they might be able to supply ingredients that are indigenous and native to the geography.
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Attend Food Workshops
Events that promote farm-to-table produce, speak of single-origin, locally-made liquors and educate the community about ingredients, paying a visit and attending these can be an educational experience. Along with giving one exposure to delicious food, it also opens up avenues for conversations with like-minded individuals who are keen on building a sustainable food system.
Contribute To Food Banks
Whether you have a surplus of groceries or food that you’re not likely to consume, donate it to food banks or your neighbourhood community fridge for anyone in need. While finding people who do not have access to a meal might not be possible at all times, food banks and community drop-off centres mediate the gap and provide the necessary resources to those who require it the most.
Try Your Hand At Easy Practices
Make an attempt to grow fresh herbs or have a tiny patch dedicated to flowers that attract bees. Most living creatures are part of our food systems without us having a conscious awareness of how this works. Co-dependency on other species allows us to make choices with integrity, so as to not create an imbalance in the natural order. This also enables us to be more inquisitive about every aspect of the food system more closely.
