At Share the Table, we are focused on food every day. On Sunday, October 16, countries around the globe will celebrate World Food Day, shining a brighter light on the continuing challenges of food insecurity.
In the words of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), “We need to build a sustainable world where everyone, everywhere has regular access to enough nutritious food. No one should be left behind.”
World Food Day 2022 comes at a time when
global issues such as the pandemic and rising prices impact individuals who are already experiencing poverty and hunger as well as those who find themselves struggling for the first time. The story is no different locally.
In Pender and Onslow Counties, more of our neighbors are having to choose between purchasing food for their families, putting gas in their cars, and paying utility bills, as all of those costs continue to increase.
Part of the focus of World Food Day is also to highlight the need for healthier diets. Often, someone making difficult choices on a limited budget will select the least expensive option at the grocery store, which is typically pre-packaged and less nutritious.
Research shows, however, that these ultra-processed foods contribute to risks of obesity and cardiometabolic disease, and higher intakes have been observed in low-income populations in the United States. Consumption of ultra-processed foods may be particularly higher among individuals experiencing food insecurity.
Our vision at Share the Table is a community where everyone has access to sufficient and nutritious food and a world that is educated, aware, and responsive to hunger related issues. We know it can be done, with the support of our very generous community.
Our goal, in concert with this year’s World Food Day theme, is to leave no one behind as we work to increase awareness and action for our neighbors who suffer from hunger.
As part of our continuing mission, Share the Table is planning to offer a series of educational programs on nutrition, shopping on a budget, and preparing healthier meals when we move into our new, expanded facility in 2023. Plans for a Learning Center are moving forward but we still need your help!
Please consider participating as a Hunger Hero in our Capital Campaign. Learn more at https://sharethetablenc.com/donation-opportunities/capital-campaign/.
Thank you for all you do for your neighbors in need!