World Food Day is celebrated every year on October 16, to appreciate the food we eat, but also to tackle world hunger. NT KURIOCITY asks youngsters how we can tackle hunger among the homeless in Goa, keeping in mind the ongoing pandemic
World Food Day reminds us of the importance of this basic need. It also brings to light the many people in India who cannot have a single meal. The pandemic, particularly in Goa, witnessed people going out of their way to feed those in need. But this shouldn’t end here. We need to find new policies through the second sustainable development goal by the UN to eradicate hunger at the rural level. Our gram panchayats need to be strengthened by leaders who will truly focus on human development. The ongoing pandemic doesn’t stop us from going out with friends, so why should it stop us from developing ways to solve the issue of hunger?
Ivo Goncalves, CFY Social Worker, Moira
For a foodie like me whose taste buds are ever excited to taste new delicacies, World Food Day is a festival and I love eating. Unfortunately, not everyone has easy access to food. We come across many homeless people begging for food. The most basic thing we can do is donate food to the needy. The impact of donation both cash and food have had an immense impact on world hunger. The community can start food banks where citizens can keep their excess food for those who need, for free. This will also reduce food wastage. Education is the best weapon against poverty and hunger as it gives opportunities for better work prospects. The most important way out is through population control because hunger and food scarcity issues arise due to population explosion.
Kishan Mangueshkar, engineer, Shiroda
World Food Day is a day where we reflect upon those who are less fortunate and who have to go hungry each day. Goa has a vast population of homeless people, generally migrants, who are currently experiencing such adversity. There are many ways to curb this while keeping in mind the current pandemic. One such way is to set up community food banks where people from each community can deposit excess food instead of throwing it away. A homeless person can then collect it, thus making it easily accessible to those in need in a particular area and at the same time preventing food wastage. Another way is to donate to organisations that provide meals/rations to the needy.
Reuban Mascarenhas, engineer, Colva
As we are celebrating World Food Day, we need to address and focus on the topic of world hunger, which is the most important topic when it comes to the necessities of life. During the outbreak of the pandemic, there was immense food insecurity globally. Poverty and hunger insecurity are interconnected. The vagrants in Goa and the country are still facing a hunger crisis which is leading to health crises. This situation can be tackled by supplying food packets and basic essentials. Education also plays an integral role. Helping people understand the importance of education can be considered an important point towards this topic. Organising various camps to educate people on eating healthy and clean, as well as avoiding food wastage can contribute to the same. On World Food Day let us decide to stop the wastage of food and contribute to society to make our state, country and the world a happy and healthy place with happy and healthy citizens!
Tanisha Samant, VM Salgaonkar College of Law, Miramar
Goa has faced a food crisis during the ongoing pandemic as well as during the recent cyclone. I feel if each one of us looks around our own locality and contributes a little to the homeless it can greatly ease the situation. The government should also provide help by setting up temporary shelter homes that give medical care and basic services. Later, making the homeless financially independent can ensure a safe and good future for them.
Preksha Sawantwadikar, Goa University
