Help the Canadian Red Cross make a difference for World Food Day 2013

On World Food Day 2013, you can help make a difference to world health too, with the help of the Canadian Red Cross.

World Food Day was established in 1979 by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the U.N. For more than three decades, supporters come together on October 16 to share the key objects behind World Food Day: bringing attention to agricultural food production, heightening public awareness of world hunger, promoting the introduction of technologies to the developing world and creating a strong international solidarity against hunger, malnutrition and poverty through agricultural development, among others, according to the FAO.

The World Food Day 2013 focus is "Sustainable Food Systems for Food Security and Nutrition."

Food and nutrition insecurity is a major problem throughout the world, especially in the sub-Saharan part of Africa, where nearly half the continent - around 200 million people - are considered food insecure.

The Canadian Red Cross is doing its part by implementing food security projects, with the help of several Red Cross Societies in Africa and the aid of the Canadian public.

In Sudan and South Sudan, where environmental issues, conflict and poverty have led to severe food insecurity, 30,000 individuals have been able to increase their food capacity through sustainable, agro-ecological interventions.

In Kenya, where chronic droughts have created trouble for those dependent on livestock for food and money and tribal violence has become a problem, the Canadian Red Cross has instated a $3.7 million Drought Recovery Project. The plan will build resilience in the Kerio Valley, reducing chronic drought and promoting peaceful coexistence.

With the help of the Sierra Leone Red Cross, a group of residents in the Kono province have worked together to learn modern techniques for growing and storing vegetables, improving the harvest yield. An unexpected result also came about from the project: the creation of a gender advocacy group.

Similar social cohesion is taking place in Liberia, where a woman has been named a chief and leader of the Grisby Farm community. With the help of the Liberia Red Cross, Paramount chief Francis Montubu has formed a group focused on introducing modern farming practices to the region.

In Mali, a group of women who wanted to improve nutritional practices in the community approached the Mali Red Cross. The project - a communal garden based around agro-ecological practices - was founded with the support of the Canadian Red Cross and now ensures food diversification, especially for children under the age of five.

Want to make a difference? Donate to the Canadian Red Cross today, and help create sustainable food systems for food security and nutrition worldwide.