Throughout the month of October, IFIC has been celebrating various Food Days, including the World Food Prize on October 13 and World Food Day on October 16. On Monday October 24^th, we recognized another Food Day here at IFIC. Simply called Food Day, it was a nationwide, grassroots effort that began this year and was composed of hundreds of grassroots events held to raise awareness of food and the role it plays in our health and well-being.  

Events in Washington ranged from farmers’ markets and fall harvest festivals to numerous exhibits and seminars relating to food. The D.C. Metro Area Dietetic Association (DCMADA) and Central Harvest on the Plaza (CHOP) hosted a special farmers’ market event in honor of Food Day, where kids learned the importance of eating fresh fruits and vegetables. It was inspiring to see all the kids excited to explore the farmers’ market and learn more about food. The National Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Association was also a participant, providing breastfeeding education and materials. There were no rules for participation except to start the conversation about food. 

But when you think about it, shouldn’t every day be a celebration of food and healthy eating?  

IFIC’s Food Day conversations included a focus on celebrating today’s modern food production system, which expands access to food and provides safe and healthful food for the growing global population.  

Increased Production of Food to Feed the Hungry  

As the worldwide population continues to rise, food production will need to undergo some significant changes to keep up with the growing food demand. By using innovations of modern food production, processing, and technology, famers and other food producers will be able to keep up with this demand.  In addition, modern food production techniques are often more sustainable and environmentally friendly, which allows us to use our precious natural resources more efficiently.  When we hear our stomachs growl, we should celebrate the fact that our food supply is so abundant, ; which helps to not only ease our own personal hunger, but also the collective hunger felt by millions around the world! 

Consuming Safe and Nutritious Food

Food processing has helped improve the safety of our food supply, while also increasing the nutritional content of some foods. Through the use of food technology, researchers have been able to target food borne pathogens and find ways to reduce their presence in foods, making the food supply safer for consumption. In addition, technologies such as flash freezing have enabled us to enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables at their point of peak nutrition whenever we like. Thanks to modern day food production and technological advances, we always have a plethora of healthy and safe food choices at the farmers’ market and at the grocery store.  

Food has become more than simply something that nourishes our bodies; it has become something that everyone cares deeply about.  Food Day was a great opportunity for everyone to gather together and celebrate the importance of food in their own unique way. However, we should remember that every day is a day for celebrating our abundant food supply and be thankful for every bite of food that we consume each day that made the journey from harvest to our plates.