Uniting for Sustainable Nutrition on World Food Day

10/11/23

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Why is World Food Day important to health and nutrition?

In a world facing various challenges, one thing remains certain: The importance of sustainable nutrition. Sustainable nutrition not only promotes our well-being but also cares for the environment. It ensures that nutritious food is accessible and affordable for everyone, including our children. To achieve this goal, various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have come forward to make a positive impact on children’s lives. Let’s explore this crucial subject in four key points:

What is Sustainable Nutrition?

Sustainable nutrition is about making food choices that are healthy, safe, and nutritious. It means we should consume food that doesn’t harm the environment and is affordable for all. Such foods are not only good for our bodies but also for the planet. They help reduce our carbon footprint and support a greener, healthier Earth for the future.

On World Food Day 2023, it is crucial to emphasize the significance of sustainable nutrition, especially concerning children’s development and welfare. Here are three compelling reasons why we must prioritize sustainable nutrition:

1. Child Development

Sustainable nutrition plays a pivotal role in the healthy growth and development of children. A well-balanced and nutritious diet is essential for cognitive development, physical health, and overall well-being. Proper nutrition helps children perform better in school, improves their immunity, and ensures they have the energy to play and learn. By prioritizing sustainable nutrition, we are investing in the future of our children, giving them the best possible start in life.

2. Environmental Impact

Our food choices have a profound impact on the environment. Unsustainable food production can lead to deforestation, pollution, and climate change. By shifting towards sustainable nutrition, we can reduce these harmful effects. Sustainable food practices promote responsible farming, minimize waste, and support local agriculture, which all contribute to a healthier planet for our children to inherit. When we celebrate World Food Day in 2023, we can choose to make a positive impact on the environment for the sake of our children’s future.

3. Accessible and Affordable

 Sustainable nutrition isn’t just about making healthy choices; it’s also about making those choices accessible and affordable for everyone. No child should be deprived of nutritious food due to economic constraints. Prioritizing sustainable nutrition means working to ensure that quality food is within reach for all families, regardless of their income. This not only promotes children’s welfare but also reduces inequalities and strengthens the foundation of a fair and just society.

Children are our future, and their well-being is of utmost importance. Ensuring that children have access to sustainable nutrition is a responsibility we all share. It not only leads to healthier and happier kids but also nurtures a generation that understands the value of sustainable living. Nutritious meals for children not only support their growth and development but also their ability to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Bal Rakhshk Bharat, an Indian NGO, partners with government initiatives to ensure children’s welfare. They collaborate with various ministries and institutions, including the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, NITI Aayog, state governments, and research organizations like ICMR NIN and IIPS. This collaboration strengthens health and nutrition programs in remote areas.

As a multi-thematic organization, they employ integrated strategies to combat malnutrition, addressing its root causes. Using evidence-based methods, they enhance access to safe and nutritious food through agriculture, WASH, social protection, education, livelihoods, and school health programs. Bal Rakhshk Bharat also supports government flagship initiatives like Anemia Mukt Bharat, Poshan Abhiyan, and the Eat Right Campaign, focusing on improving the health and nutrition of children, adolescents, and mothers.

Uniting for sustainable nutrition is not just a mission; it’s a path to a brighter and more secure future. By supporting NGOs like Bal Raksha Bharat and their initiatives, we contribute to a world where every child has the opportunity to grow and thrive. When we choose to buy and consume sustainable foods, we reduce the environmental impact of our diet and encourage sustainable practices in the food industry.

In conclusion, sustainable nutrition is a win-win solution. It nourishes our children, safeguards the environment, and fosters a more inclusive society. Together, we can ensure that no child goes to bed hungry and that our planet thrives for generations to come.

Soumi Halder

Manager-Program Campaign and Communication, Programme Support

“With over 20 years of dedicated experience in the social development sector, I am passionate about championing child rights and community empowerment through innovative communication strategies. I am Manager for Programme Campaigns and Communication with Bal Raksha Bharat (Save the Children)."