This week the United Nations (UN) will mark two important days: World Food Day (October 16) and International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (October 17).
World Food Day - October 16
The UN's Food and Agriculture Organization has been celebrating World Food Day on October 16 since 1979. The purpose is to heighten public awareness of the problem of hunger in the world and encourage the participation of rural people (particularly women) in decisions and activities that influence their living conditions.
This year's theme is "Change the future of migration: Invest in food security and rural development." Read more about World Food Day on our blog.
International Day for the Eradication of Poverty - October 17
In December of 1992, the UN passed resolution 47/196 and declared October 17 as International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. Though eradicating poverty is an everyday fight, October 17 serves as a reminder of the severity of poverty in the world, and gives opportunity to those who help fight poverty to stand in solidarity with those who are impoverished.
This year's theme, "Answering the call of October 17 to end poverty: A path toward peaceful and inclusive societies," reminds all people of the importance of community and hope during the fight on poverty.
Planet Aid's Fight to End Poverty and Hunger - Everyday
A major part of Planet Aid's core mission is to help reduce hunger and poverty in the world. We support projects in 12 developing countries, and had more than 1.5 million beneficiaries in 2016.
Our flagship food and nutrition project in Mozambique, Food for Knowledge, is a highly successful, comprehensive program that provides school lunches for approximately 80,000 children, while also training teachers, strengthening literacy, and developing needed infrastructure.