· Nearly 690 million people are hungry, up 10 million since 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic could add between 83-132 million people to this number, depending on the economic growth scenario
· World Food Day on 16th October 2020 is themed on Grow, Nourish, Sustain. Together
· Rise Against Hunger India will be celebrating the whole of October as ‘Hunger Action Month’ with several initiatives
Bengaluru, 6th October 2020 – In recent months, due to pandemic and related events, people across the world, especially those from the lower economic strata faced sever economic hardship and many experienced aggravated hunger. With economic activities still not back in full gear, hunger and food insecurity continue to be major issue to deal with for many. The world also saw during the lockdown, spontaneous action by citizens’ groups, local organizations and individuals to extend a helping hand to the hungry and needy. To highlight both the seriousness of the situation and the need to find sustainable solution, Rise Against Hunger India has planned to celebrate the month of October as Hunger Action Month with a series of activities lined up including a number of virtual volunteering opportunities.
Out of the existing 30,000 edible plant species, only 9 accounts for 66% of the total crop production. We need to grow different varieties of food to nourish people and sustain the planet. Keeping this in mind, World Food Day 2020 is themed on Grow, Nourish, Sustain. Together.
Rise Against Hunger India shall also use this occasion to highlight the tales of those who toil every day under challenging circumstances to ensure that food reaches our plate. During the month, the organization will showcase stories of growers, producers, famers, retailers, supply chain professionals, philanthropists, volunteers, and many more who are actually the Food-Heroes.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Dola Mohapatra, Executive Director, Rise Against Hunger India said, “The COVID-19 global health crisis has been a time to reflect on our most basic needs. These uncertain times have prompted us to appreciate something that many of us take for granted, but many go without i.e. food. It has also brought to light the exemplary work that some people have done and are still doing to feed the hungry. We, at RAHI, are celebrating the whole of October as Hunger Action Month with several initiatives including recognizing and celebrating food heroes; training & dissemination sessions with our partners on our food and nutrition security; launching SAMBAL – a small grant facility for local organizations for sustainable livelihood projects; enhancing our volunteer engagement programs and much more. We invite people to join us and be part of our Hunger Action Month Initiatives. We have some exciting activities that anyone, of any age, from any location, can participate in.”
World Food Day (WFD) is one of the most celebrated days in the UN calendar and was established by the members of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in 1979. Since then, it has been celebrated in more than 150 countries to raise awareness about issues related to hunger and nutrition. Several events & outreach activities that bring together governments, businesses, NGOs, the media, the general public are held across 150 countries on this day.
About Rise Against Hunger India (RAHI):
Rise against Hunger, an international hunger relief organization, aims to show the world that it is, in fact, possible to end hunger by the year 2030. In 2014, RAH India was created as an independent entity in India, formally registered as ‘Stop Hunger Now India’ but later changed to Rise Against Hunger India in 2017. Headquartered in Bangalore, RAH India program began in 2015 due to increased interest and support by corporate partners to involve in meal packaging program. RAHI is committed to nourishing lives, providing emergency aid, empowering communities and growing the hunger movement. From floods to droughts, RAHI has been actively responding to emergencies. The team actively works towards bolstering agricultural production and income through various agricultural methods, business skills and market access.
