Food aid for people in Myanmar affected by Cyclone Mocha

CHURCH

Caritas joins World Hunger Day appeal to eradicate food waste

Despite producing enough food to feed everyone, over 800 million people still go hungry every day, of whom two thirds are women. Joining persons of goodwill and organizations across the globe, Caritas Internationalis calls for sustainability and solidarity.

By Linda Bordoni

Marking World Hunger Day on 28 May Caritas Internationalis – the Catholic Church’s humanitarian organization - calls on decision-makers to eradicate food waste and implement sustainable solutions to end world hunger.

The annual observance invites all persons of goodwill to join with organisations around the world to amplify the voices of those facing hunger and help make the UN Sustainable Goal of Zero Hunger a reality.

A Caritas Internationalis statement released in the run-up to the World Day says it “stands in solidarity with the global community in support of populations facing times of unprecedented poverty and hunger.”

Sustainability

Caritas also points to the need to take actions that not only combat hunger but preserve the planet for future generations.

“To sustainably end hunger, we must promote sustainable agriculture and food production, reduce food waste and support local food systems.”

Strawberry harvesting in Kashmir, India

Food waste

Upholding the 2023 World Hunger Day message that calls for the eradication of food waste, Caritas points out that at a time in which millions are denied adequate access to nutritious food “due to conflict, the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and rising costs of living food waste is often the result of unsustainable food production and low investment in agriculture.”

Responding to Pope Francis’ call in Fratelli tutti, in which he decries the fact that the only voices to be heard in public debate are those of the powerful and of experts, Caritas said it has been “working alongside local communities to implement sustainable farming practices, build capacity to adapt to climate change, as well as advocating world leaders and decision-makers to address and review policies that exacerbate worldwide hunger.”

Especially in regions and territories where the climate crisis is severely affecting people’s capacity to produce food, Caritas said it is raising awareness in local communities “about hunger and food security, and responding to humanitarian crises and emergencies.”

For example, “Since 2018, Caritas Pakistan has been promoting sustainable farming practices and implementing programs focusing on making small farm households resilient and enhancing their capacity for adaptation to climate change and disaster while maintaining ecosystem and soil health,” the statement explains.

“Caritas also stands in solidarity with women and children who are particularly vulnerable and most affected by hunger.”

A farmer in war-ravaged Sudan shows gum arabic resin

Faith perspectives on agriculture and food systems

Looking ahead to the upcoming Bonn Climate Change Conference from 5 to 15 June, Caritas said it intends to share further perspectives on elements needed to help address world hunger.

It will be one of the main actors in a side event to be held on June 8, titled Perspectives of Faith and Local actors on the New Joint Work on Agriculture and Food Systems which will include views from the UN Food Agriculture Organization (FAO), Green Climate Fund (GCF), Africa Group Negotiators and the European Union (EU).

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