World Food Day 2023

Every year, on October 16th, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization calls on government bodies, the private sector and civil society to work together to address challenges related to food accessibility. Water symbolizes life itself, and the right to water is celebrated as the theme of this year’s World Food Day. The connection between nourishment and sustenance is vividly apparent. Just as water represents a fundamental human right, the significance of proper nutrition is equally paramount, especially for our youngest members of society.

Every year, Breakfast Club of Canada joins the world’s leaders in raising awareness about the importance of access to food for all. BCC strongly advocates that every child, regardless of their circumstances, should have the right to food at school. The present worldwide and national food challenges underscore the immediate need to push ahead with this endeavour. This urgency arises as an increasing number of students are facing the possibility of attending school without having had breakfast for a multitude of reasons. 1 in 4 Canadian children is now grappling with food insecurity, a 27% increase from 2021 to 2022.

Our path forward involves the establishment of a national school food program, shaping a future where every child’s right to nourishment is recognized. According to a recent study by IRIS, only 12% of primary school children in Canada benefit from a school food program, which is significantly lower than the average of 61% observed in high-income countries.With the sobering awareness that Canada stands as the sole G7 country without such a program, we are moved to collectively urge the government to deliver on its promise to establish this essential initiative.

World Food Day 2023

Every year, on October 16th, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization calls on government bodies, the private sector and civil society to work together to address challenges related to food accessibility. Water symbolizes life itself, and the right to water is celebrated as the theme of this year’s World Food Day. The connection between nourishment and sustenance is vividly apparent. Just as water represents a fundamental human right, the significance of proper nutrition is equally paramount, especially for our youngest members of society.

Every year, Breakfast Club of Canada joins the world’s leaders in raising awareness about the importance of access to food for all. BCC strongly advocates that every child, regardless of their circumstances, should have the right to food at school. The present worldwide and national food challenges underscore the immediate need to push ahead with this endeavour. This urgency arises as an increasing number of students are facing the possibility of attending school without having had breakfast for a multitude of reasons. 1 in 4 Canadian children is now grappling with food insecurity, a 27% increase from 2021 to 2022.

Our path forward involves the establishment of a national school food program, shaping a future where every child’s right to nourishment is recognized. According to a recent study by IRIS, only 12% of primary school children in Canada benefit from a school food program, which is significantly lower than the average of 61% observed in high-income countries. With the sobering awareness that Canada stands as the sole G7 country without such a program, we are moved to collectively urge the government to deliver on its promise to establish this essential initiative.

How you can help

If you are one of the 84% of Canadians that want a national school food program implemented as soon as possible, please join us in raising your voice!  

Step 1

Send an email to the mandated Ministers and the Minister of Finance.

1

Open your e-mail inbox by clicking on the button below to write an e-mail to the ministers.

2

Copy and paste the following e-mail addresses as recipients:

3

The content is included in the e-mail, but can be modified as needed.

4

Click on send.

To read the National School Food Program Support Letters:

Suggested text to state your approval of a national school food program:

Dear Ministers, 

I am writing to express my support for the implementation of the National School Food Program (NSFP). The well-being of our country’s children is an issue of paramount importance, and recent statistics underscore the urgency of taking meaningful action. 

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and the unprecedented inflation that has impacted a vast majority of Canadians, the challenges facing the global food system have augmented and disproportionately affected children. Food insecurity is now a reality for one in four Canadians under the age of 18, a 27% increase from 2021 to 2022. Beyond these 1.8 million children living in food-insecure households, many others arrive at school on an empty stomach for other reasons, depriving them of the daily nutrition they require to be their best and healthiest selves. 

Canada should not be the only G7 nation without a school food program, and taking decisive action now aligns with international standards and demonstrates our commitment to future generations’ well-being.   

The NSFP is not just about nourishing children; it is about investing in the overall health, education and prosperity of our nation. Beyond its impact on students, the NSFP will benefit farmers, local economies and struggling families facing financial challenges amid the current inflationary context.  

According to a recent Breakfast Club of Canada survey, 84% of Canadians believe that the NSFP should be implemented as soon as possible. By supporting the NSFP, we demonstrate our commitment to fostering a stronger, more inclusive Canada for everyone.   

I firmly stand behind the implementation of the National School Food Program and urge you to make the first investment in this vital initiative. Our Canadian children deserve the best possible future, and a robust school food policy will undoubtedly contribute to a healthier, more prosperous nation.  

Sincerely,  

Step 2

Send an email your Member of Parliament.

1

Open your e-mail inbox by clicking on the button below to write an e-mail to your Member of Parliament.

2

Find the email address of your local member of parliament.

3

Copy and paste the e-mail addresse as recipients.

4

The content is included in the e-mail, but can be modified as needed.

5

Click on send.

Suggested text to state your approval of a national school food program:

Dear Member of Parliament, 

I am writing to express my support for the implementation of the National School Food Program (NSFP). The well-being of our country’s children is an issue of paramount importance, and recent statistics underscore the urgency of taking meaningful action. 

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and the unprecedented inflation that has impacted a vast majority of Canadians, the challenges facing the global food system have augmented and disproportionately affected children. Food insecurity is now a reality for one in four Canadians under the age of 18, a 27% increase from 2021 to 2022. Beyond these 1.8 million children living in food-insecure households, many others arrive at school on an empty stomach for other reasons, depriving them of the daily nutrition they require to be their best and healthiest selves. 

Canada should not be the only G7 nation without a school food program, and taking decisive action now aligns with international standards and demonstrates our commitment to future generations’ well-being.   

The NSFP is not just about nourishing children; it is about investing in the overall health, education and prosperity of our nation. Beyond its impact on students, the NSFP will benefit farmers, local economies and struggling families facing financial challenges amid the current inflationary context.  

According to a recent Breakfast Club of Canada survey, 84% of Canadians believe that the NSFP should be implemented as soon as possible. By supporting the NSFP, we demonstrate our commitment to fostering a stronger, more inclusive Canada for everyone.   

I firmly stand behind the implementation of the National School Food Program and urge you to make the first investment in this vital initiative. Our Canadian children deserve the best possible future, and a robust school food policy will undoubtedly contribute to a healthier, more prosperous nation.

Step 3

Help us spread the word.

Use our social media templates below and share this important cause with your contacts.  

Additional information

To learn more about the 2023 World Food Day, held on October 16, please visit the following link:
https://www.fao.org/world-food-day/en. 

Campaign Key Messages

Sample social media postsfor #WorldFoodDay

Water sustains life, like nutritious food does. On World Food Day, let’s uphold every child’s right to food. Together, we can ensure a brighter future with a national school food program. #RightToFood #WorldFoodDay

🌍 Today is World Food Day, a time to reflect on the importance of nutritious food for all. Let’s unite to uphold every child’s right to food. #WorldFoodDay #FoodForAll #NutritionMatters

Every child deserves a nourished future. On World Food Day, let’s ensure no child’s plate is empty at school. Demand a national school food program now for full plates and bright futures! 🌍🍎 #NourishNow #NSFP 

Just as water is a fundamental right, so is access to nutritious food. Today, let’s come together to champion the rights of our children — the right to food and the right to a brighter future. #FoodAndWaterRights #ChildrensRights #WorldFoodDay 

Water and food are the cornerstones of life, and every child has the right to both. As we mark World Food Day, let’s stand up for a better planet where no child’s plate remains empty at school. 🍽️🌍 #EveryChildMatters #FoodAndWaterRights #WorldFoodDay 

Campaign Visuals