October 16 is observed as World Food Day (WFD). This day is celebrated in honour of the Food and Agriculture Organization that was founded by of United Nations in 1945. On this day several issues that are related to food are addressed. Since the year 1981, WFD has adopted a theme. A majority of themes revolve around agriculture. ‘Food comes First’ was WFD 1981 theme. Last year, ‘Social Protection and Agriculture: Breaking the Cycle of Rural Poverty’ was the theme. This year, the theme for WFD is 'Climate change: "Climate is changing. Food and agriculture must too' is the theme for World Food Day. More than 150 countries world over are celebrating this day with its theme. Food, clothing and shelter are regarded as the basic necessities of human beings. Ironically, across the world several human beings do not have access to food. On World Food Day, SimpliCity talks to those who are associated with the food industry in our city. Here’s their message.
Erin Louis, General Manager, Residency Towers
“Be responsible while consuming food. Several millions across the world cannot afford food. They go hungry and are malnourished. We are fortunate as we have access to good food. While consuming food, take what you can eat and eat what you take. At the Residency Towers in order to reduce food wastage, we allow our guests to view our food disposal bin. This we are hoping will bring down the amount of food wasted at our premises. Whenever and wherever you consume food do not waste.”
Shiv Kumar, Managing Director, Vijay Elanza
“Respect food and work on conscious ways to avoid wasting food. We are blessed as we eat three meals a day. Before we waste food we must spare a thought for those who do not have access to food. At our hotel Vijay Elanza, in order not to waste food, we are very calculative when it comes to preparing food. In case we are left with excess food, regardless of what time it is, we ensure that it reaches the needy.”
Ranjana S, That’s Y Group
“Go organic while preparing food. We practise what we preach and in all our restaurants we use only organic oil to prepare food. We do not use artificial colours or preservatives as we strongly believe in giving back to the society and our planet. As part of giving back to the society, we have tied up with a city-based NGO. We ensure that those who are hungry and who cannot afford good food are fed.”
Neeraj Agarwal, Neeraj Agarwal ' s The Sweet Shop
“Eat healthy and eat hygienic. Avoid consuming junk food as much as you can. This policy is followed in our sweet shop too. At our eatery, we do not serve pizza. The pizza base is replaced with a paratha. We also encourage people to follow the basics of hygiene like washing their hands before consuming food. No matter where the food is prepared, in home kitchen or in a commercial establishment, the basics of hygiene must be adopted.”
Arun Viswanathan, GANACHE for Da Chocoholics
“Innovation in the food industry and more number of youngsters taking to farming and agriculture can certainly help in solving the crises that the food industry is currently experiencing. The need of the hour is value addition to the traditional forms of agriculture. We must open up opportunities for our farmers to explore and innovate. We have to realize that without food our future generations cannot survive. So I hope more number of youth consider a career in farming and agriculture.”
Dhiraj Sethiya, co-partner, Jalpaan Restaurant
“Due to climate change global food security is becoming a threat. On occasion of World Food Day, I’d like to throw light on the amount of food that is wasted. One-kg of food is wasted per three-kgs that are produced. We not only waste the food grain but also we waste the labour and ingredients that is involved in producing the food. At Jalpaan Restaurant we produce food only as per the requirement of our guests. People must adopt this concept in their homes too.”