This year’s World Food Day was marked yesterday by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture with a float parade amongst other activities after it was postponed from last Saturday.
Under the theme “Food for Better Life and Better Future,” the event aimed to raise awareness about hunger, food security, and sustainable food consumption.
Participants included local schools, community groups, and ministry staff.

Medical Superintendent, Dr. ‘Ana ‘Akau’ola, highlighted the global food crisis, noting that 733 million people face food shortages due to conflict, marginalization, climate change, and economic downturns, with additional threats of man-made famines in Gaza and Sudan.
She also addressed the 2.8 billion who cannot afford a healthy diet, with global obesity rates rising. However, she emphasized hope: “A zero hunger world is still possible.” She referenced the 2021 Food Summit, which outlined necessary transformations for a more efficient, inclusive, and sustainable food system.

Dr. Akauola called for governments, businesses, and civil societies to work together to ensure affordable access to healthy, nutritious food, urging collective action against hunger and malnutrition.
Isilelei Aholelei from the Ministry of Agriculture added, “This day reminds us that a healthy diet is important for our people to live healthy lives.”

The event also featured awards for school poem competitions and community vegetable-growing contests, which were held to raise awareness about healthy diets as a means of fighting non-communicable diseases in Tonga.
World Food Day is observed annually on October 16 to promote global efforts to end hunger and ensure food security for all.