World Food Day (October 16) celebrates the founding of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). This year is the 80th anniversary of its creation, in 1945, in direct response to the widespread food shortages and agricultural disruption caused by World War II.
In a world still marked by injustice and war, FAO’s mission endures: to unite us in creating a world free from hunger.
The 2025 theme, “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future,” reminds us that by working together: governments, organizations, communities and individuals, including all of us in the Passionist Family, we can ensure everyone has access to a healthy diet and a planet in balance.
Pope Leo XIV warned that we are drifting away from the 2030 goal of zero hunger, threatened by conflict, inequality and environmental damage.
He said:
Food systems have a major influence on climate change, and vice versa. The social injustice caused by natural disasters and the loss of biodiversity must be reversed to achieve a just ecological transition that places the environment and people at the center.
Without decisive and coordinated climate action, it will be impossible to guarantee food systems capable of feeding a growing world population. Producing food is not enough; we must ensure these systems are sustainable and provide healthy, affordable diets for all.
Pope Leo XIV, FAO’s 44th Conference, Summer 2025
How you can answer Pope Leo’s invitation
Let us reflect on how we can answer Pope Leo’s invitation to end hunger, protect creation and live Gospel justice:
- Give thanks for the food you eat and for those who make it possible.
- Volunteer at a food pantry, soup kitchen, or local hunger initiative.
- Choose food grown near where you live.
- Shop thoughtfully, supporting fair wages and clean supply chains.
- Avoid wasting food.
- Donate to hunger relief organizations.
- Read inspiring stories of global #FoodHeroes.
We also invite you to read Brochure #3 of Passion of the Earth, Wisdom of the Cross, which explores food, farming and hunger.
With the Passion of Jesus Christ in our hearts, may we work hand in hand for better foods and a better future.
