World Food Day is celebrated by 150 countries worldwide and this year’s celebration is themed Right to Foods for a Better Life and a Better Future. It highlights everyone’s right to inexpensive, sustainable, and nutrient-rich food is essential.
At Mushroom Producer Organisation we are committed to doing our bit to promote the unique health benefits of mushrooms make our production processes more sustainable. Not only is this better for the planet, but it’s better for everyone.
Although food is a basic human necessity, many people still struggle to maintain a healthy diet, affecting their well-being and long-term development. Access to food is still a big problem for many. In regions including Gaza, Sudan and Ukraine where there is war and turmoil, a large number of people are currently going hungry. Worldwide, 733 million people faced hunger in 2023, according to the latest State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) report published in July. The UN is working towards achieving Zero Hunger by 2030.
Here in the UK & Ireland, the cost of living crisis has put so much pressure on people that many people struggle to buy healthy and nutritious foods. In 2022/23 there were 7.2 million people, or 11% of the UK population, in households experiencing food poverty, including 17% of children.
Mushrooms offer an affordable, nutritious option for people looking to stay healthy without breaking the bank, but they are often overlooked in favour of more expensive superfoods. They are available in all supermarkets and smaller grocery shops, and have a low price point compared to some of the foods marketed as ‘superfoods’. With food prices soaring, mushrooms provide a versatile and nutrient-dense addition to meals that can help fill gaps in our diets. By adding them to stews, curries, omelettes or pasta dishes you can massively increase the volume of food and nutrients on your plate.
Mushrooms are rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including B-vitamins, selenium, and potassium. They are also one of the few plant-based sources of vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, a nutrient that’s crucial for bone health and immunity. In a time when many are cutting back on expensive fresh produce or animal-based proteins, mushrooms stand out as an inexpensive, low-calorie source of protein that can enhance everything from soups and stews to stir-fries and salads.
The beauty of mushrooms also lies in their sustainability. As we think about global food security, it’s important to note that mushrooms can be grown with minimal resources, even in urban environments, using agricultural waste or compost. They require very little space and water compared to other crops, making them an eco-friendly and sustainable choice. Mushrooms offer a real solution for people trying to eat well despite financial constraints, supporting a healthy lifestyle during the cost of living crisis while promoting a more sustainable food future for all.
What you can do on World Food Day 2024
- You can cook with locally grown ingredients, like mushrooms, that are sustainable and affordable.
- You can donate food to food banks. There are collection points in supermarkets across the country where you can drop off any food items. Or you can send items directly to a food bank when doing an online supermarket shop.
- If you’re unsure on what to buy, you can make a financial donation to your local food bank, so they can purchase everything that is needed.
- Food that is still edible is frequently thrown out. We can cut down on waste and increase the amount of food that is available to people in need by exercising greater caution while purchasing and storing food.
This year’s World Food Day theme reminds us that a better future is possible when we prioritise nutrition and sustainability. By working together—governments, growers, and communities alike—we can ensure that everyone has access to nutritious food, paving the way for a healthier, more equitable world.
