World Food Day is a global event during which nations across the globe emphasize the poignant importance of access to safe, sufficient, and nutritious food for every individual. Given the global concerns regarding the world’s ability to sustain a growing population through our existing food system by 2050, this emphasis extends to future generations.
On this signification day, let’s focus on Malaysia, our beloved country known for its diverse culinary heritage. From Penang’s renowned street food to Sabah’s affordable seafood, each region boasts its own specialty. Yet, this uniqueness has also contributed to nutritional challenges including the rise of obesity rate, nutrient imbalances, sustainability issues, etc.
In this article, let’s delve into meaningful actions that can be taken to address these nutritional challenges we are facing.
- Practice Healthy Eating Habits
Embrace healthy eating by applying the ‘Suku-Suku Separuh’ concept to our favorite delicacies. With just a few simple tweaks, we can enjoy our local delicacies in a healthier way. Discover more about achieving healthy eating with our delicacies in this article.
- Embrace Sustainable Eating Habits
A gradual shift towards a more plant-based diet reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with meat production and consumption. Greenhouse gas emissions harm the earth’s atmosphere, leading to climate changes that disrupt crop growth and reduce yields. Additionally, this shift promotes conserving food resources needed to feed a growing population.
- Reduce Food Waste
An effective approach to achieve this is by adopting mindful shopping habits. Creating a shopping list and sticking to it helps prevent over-purchasing and, subsequently, reduces the likelihood of food spoilage & wastage when items aren’t used promptly. These practices align with the objectives of conserving resources, which are essential for both food security and sustainability.
- Support Local Farmers & Supermarkets
By supporting our local food providers, we minimize the carbon footprint associated with food transportation from farm to plate. The shorter travel distance significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, local produce is typically harvested at its peak ripeness, leading to better-tasting and more nutritious food options.
- Volunteer at Local Food Banks
Stay updated on the activities of your local food banks, and explore opportunities to contribute, either through direct volunteering or offering resources. By participating in such meaningful initiatives, we not only foster empathy but also a sense of community and raise awareness about food insecurity, inspiring collective efforts to address the issues.
- Raise Awareness on Social Media
Every effort to initiate change, small or big, holds value. Use your social media to raise awareness by sharing informative posts about the importance of making nutritious food choices and the significance of ensuring security for everyone. Moreover, it offers a platform to spotlight local initiatives contributing to sustainable food practices in Malaysia, sparking participation.
Ensuring food security is a responsibility that extends beyond our generation to future ones. It is the actions we take today that pave the way for a sustainable food system that benefits every individual and protects our planet earth. So let’s start today! Happy World Food Day from BookDoc to you!
Reference:
https://www.fao.org/world-food-day/take-action/what-can-you-do/en
Clara, Dietitian
