1981 - World Food Day | Commemorative Coin

The second commemorative coin of 1981 was issued to mark the inaugural observance of World Food Day.

World Food Day, first observed in 1981, represents a crucial global commitment to addressing hunger, malnutrition, and the challenges surrounding food security. Established by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, the day underscores the urgent need for collective action to ensure that every individual, regardless of geography or circumstance, has access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food. Since its inception, World Food Day has been more than a symbolic observance—it has become a platform to raise awareness, inspire policy reforms, and promote sustainable practices that affect how food is grown, distributed, and consumed.

The world in 1981 was grappling with multiple food-related crises, from drought-hit regions facing severe shortages to communities struggling with unequal access to resources. By declaring World Food Day, the FAO aimed to unite nations in their shared responsibility to confront these issues. Over the years, the observance has encouraged dialogue among governments, organizations, farmers, and citizens, bringing attention to the interconnectedness of food systems, environmental health, and economic development. It serves as a reminder that hunger is not simply a lack of food, but a complex challenge influenced by climate change, conflict, poverty, waste, and unsustainable agricultural practices.

Each year, the day reinforces the idea that solutions require both global coordination and local action. It highlights the immense role of farmers, especially smallholders, whose work forms the backbone of food production but who often face the greatest vulnerabilities. It also emphasizes innovations in agriculture, the importance of reducing food loss and waste, and the need to build resilient food systems capable of withstanding environmental and economic pressures. Educational campaigns, community initiatives, and policy discussions organized around World Food Day continue to encourage people to reflect on their own consumption patterns and support efforts that promote food equity.

World Food Day’s ongoing relevance lies in its message that eliminating hunger is not only a humanitarian aim but a foundation for peace, stability, and sustainable development. Since 1981, it has inspired nations to strengthen their commitments to ending hunger and ensuring that access to nutritious food becomes a universal reality. The observance stands as a yearly call to action, urging individuals and institutions to contribute to a world where no one goes to bed hungry and where food systems nourish both people and the planet.