World Food Day is an international day celebrated every year worldwide on 16 October to commemorate the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on this date in 1945. It is also one of the most celebrated days of the United Nations calendar.

‘Food’ in World Food Day stands for diversity, nutrition, affordability, accessibility and safety. It indicates a greater diversity of nutritious foods should be available for the benefit of all.

Unhealthy diets are the leading cause of all forms of malnutrition. Yet today, too many people suffer from hunger and over 2.8 billion people in the world are unable to afford healthy diets. We all have a role to play for a more equal, just and sustainable future for everyone everywhere.

No matter whether governments, the private sector, farmers, academia, civil society and individuals of all ages can work together to ensure a greater variety of nutritious, affordable, accessible, safe and sustainable foods to achieve food security and healthy diets for all. It is this collective action across 150 countries worldwide, in up to 50 languages, which makes World Food Day one of the most celebrated days.

Explore how you can get involved

Read the World Food Day 2024 Brochure

World Food Day Promo Video