October 16 is World Food Day.
First, food supports life. People are connected locally with the food they share with family and friends. Most of all, food represents culture.
Despite the value of food, over one third of all food produced is lost or wasted. That means a lot of people suffer from hunger and food deprivation. In fact, 800 million people know hunger personally, with sixty percent of those experiencing hunger, women and children. The world produces enough food to feed everyone if the issues of waste and distribution are solved.
What can you do? Try sharing a restaurant meal. Be sure to save leftovers for another meal. Take a smaller portion whether you’re eating at home or in a restaurant. Don’t buy more than you need; buy only what you can eat before it spoils.
By 2050, the world will have to produce 60% more food to feed the world’s growing population. That’s a lot of food, but not so much, if you cut waste and improve cultivation techniques.
Consider how the food you eat transfers and defines your culture. If You Walk Long Enough illustrates some thoughts about foods enjoyed in the deep South, cultural markers for the region. See different comments on those foods: Foods reflected in culture; buttermilk; and, Southern culinary traditions.
Nancy Hartney 