World Food Day occurs on 16th October every year. It is an initiative by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), which celebrates its 80th anniversary this year. The main impetus of World Food Day 2025 is to move towards a more peaceful, sustainable, prosperous and food-secure future.
In these days where there appears to be an abundance of food, food waste and rising obesity rates, it’s often hard to believe that there around 673 million people worldwide living in hunger. Many live in countries that are victim to the vagaries of weather, with a draught or excessive rainfall ruining crops and leading to starvation. However, the latest available figures for the UK show that 7.5 million people are living in households that are experiencing food poverty. 18% of these are children.^
It is a sign of the times that there are more people than ever using food banks in the UK. Perhaps more shocking is the fact that households with at least one adult in employment make up the largest proportion of households with children living in relative poverty.
What is the definition of ‘food poverty’?
So, what exactly is ‘food poverty’ or ‘food insecurity’? According to gov.uk: “A household can broadly be defined as experiencing food poverty or ‘household food insecurity’ if they cannot (or are uncertain about whether they can) acquire an adequate quality or sufficient quantity of food in socially acceptable ways.”
Food banks are a lifeline to many, so a great initiative is to start a collection point at your workplace and invite staff and visitors to donate items. For several years we have been supporting Skipton Food Bank, which does marvellous work in the local community throughout the year.
Christmas Food Bank Appeal
Every year we collect for their special Christmas Appeal and are always overwhelmed by the donations from our customers in the food industry. Some bring items when they visit as delegates on our courses, but others have sent boxes of goodies via courier.
We have already started our collection for this year so, as always, any donations will be gratefully accepted. Please contact us if you would like to see a printable list of the suggested items, which are:
- Tinned gammon/lean ham
- Tinned chicken
- Christmas cake bars
- Stuffing mix
- Gravy mix
- Christmas puddings – all sizes
- Boxes of Christmas biscuits
- Boxes of chocolates (200-300g)
- Mince pies (with a best before date after 25/12/25)
- Chocolate selection packs
- Christmas crackers to pull
- Toiletries gift boxes for men and women
Thank you so much!
^Figures from FOA