By: Stephanie Diamond

Today’s post is written in recognition of World Food Day – “a day of action against hunger.” On this day across the globe people take part in food drives, hunger walks, and awareness campaigns to draw attention to a deserving issue.  Often when we approach problems in the food system, issues that threaten food security, we see them from a 30,000-foot view.

We know that a childhood obesity epidemic juxtaposes extreme poverty and malnutrition. Agricultural advancements have allowed us to grow enough food to feed the world, but a lack of infrastructure and economic security has left millions of people hungry. Issues of environment and blight threaten countries’ internal agricultural systems. We know that a lack of nutrition education contributes to an overweight population, nutrient deficiencies, and chronic disease. And we also are aware that millions of tons of food waste are produced each year, overrunning landfills and contributing to green house gases.

We know all this, but at a certain point the challenges facing the eradication of hunger feel insurmountable. They seem so impossible to tackle that instead, we do nothing. World Food Day is about action. It is about taking a pragmatic approach to eliminating world hunger.

Food Scientists are taking action against hunger every day in their communities, through their research, and around the world:

What are some things you do to help end hunger? Let us know in the comments below!