Leave No Child Behind This World Food Day

This month we commemorated World Food Day, an important occasion dedicated to raising awareness about global hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition. World Food Day also emphasizes that access to food is a basic human right, highlighting the interconnectedness of challenges such as poverty, climate change, and inequality. This year, the theme “Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future” draws attention to the reality that, despite the world producing enough food to feed everyone, over 700 million people continue to face hunger. World Food Day 2024 reinforces the necessity for every individual to access diverse, nutritious, and affordable food. Ensuring this right is crucial for breaking cycles of poverty and fostering more equitable and sustainable food systems.

Why Is Right to Food So Important?

Food is a fundamental human right, recognised by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as vital to survival, health, and dignity. Yet, millions worldwide still face hunger. The right to food is crucial because it not only sustains life but also enables individuals to lead healthy, productive lives, essential for personal and societal development

Beyond physical survival, food security is closely linked to other vital areas like health, education, and economic opportunity. Malnutrition weakens immune systems, increases susceptibility to disease, and can lead to lifelong health problems. Children who lack proper nutrition may experience stunted growth and cognitive impairments, which in turn affect their ability to perform well in school and secure better livelihoods in adulthood​. Thus, ensuring access to nutritious food is not only a moral imperative but also a critical investment in future generations and overall societal progress

What Does Hunger Look Like In Singapore?

In Singapore, we are fortunate to live in a country with an abundance of food. However, hunger and food insecurity still affects many vulnerable groups. 1 in 10 households face food insecurity, struggling to access sufficient nutritious food due to rising costs and inequality. The struggle for reliable access to nutritious food often goes unnoticed, with some reluctant to seek help due the fear of stigma. 

Children are especially vulnerable to the effects of hunger, potentially impacting their physical well-being and mental resilience. Without proper nutrition, their ability to focus in school and develop both physically and cognitively can be compromised. Creating a cycle where food insecurity can have educational and psychological ramifications, making it harder for them to break free from the poverty cycle in the future. 

How can we take action?

Efforts from local food organisations has been crucial in alleviating hunger in Singapore, however the need for hunger relief still persists. This is where fundraising campaigns like our Leave No Child Behind campaign play a crucial role. Aimed to provide direct support to underprivileged students, supporting this fundraising campaign will ensure that underprivileged students receive the nourishment needed for their growth and development. 

Supporting initiatives like this is a practical and easy way to make a local impact. By contributing to this fundraising campaign, you can help nourish kids' futures, and ensure that they receive nutritious meals that are vital to their health and future success. Specifically for our Leave No Child Behind campaign, every dollar donated will be matched by Tote Boards' EFR Dollar-to-Dollar matching programme. This means if you sponsor a School Goodie Bag valued at $65, your donation will help two students instead of one! 

We believe every child, in every school should experience the joy and power of food. This month, we invite you to help us share hope and nourish kids' futures. Enrich our children with the sustenance they need to live their fullest lives!