National Food Day – October 24, 2022, history, significance

National Food Day – October 24, 2022, history, significance

National Food Day falls on October 24 each year. This day, celebrated for the first time in 1975, was created by the Center for Science and Public Interest (CSPI) and was supposed to be similar to Earth Day. The day toasts nutritious and healthy food, and focuses on educating people on healthy eating, good farming methods, and safe food production. It also reminds us of the strides we’ve made in living more healthy lives and growing food in viable, responsible ways.

HISTORY OF NATIONAL FOOD DAY

In 1971, a microbiologist, a meteorologist, a chemist, and two scientists from Ralph Nader’s Center for the Study of Responsive Law founded the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI). CSPI was formed as a non-profit organization that monitored food safety standards and advocated for safer foods.

In the early days, CSPI focussed on environmental protection and renewable sources of energy. Later on, when two of the founders left the organization, it turned its focus to food and alcohol safety. Over the years, CSPI changed the dynamics of nutrition and food safety worldwide.

It encouraged healthy foods in restaurants and made sure that the restaurants followed guidelines issued by the Food and Drug Administration. CSPI played a major role in bringing up the matter of high amounts of saturated fats found in popcorn in cinemas. It was also the organization that led the campaigns against trans fats found in fast foods.

One of the most well-known campaigns led by the CSPI was National Food Day. This day was created to raise awareness about nutrition and food safety, and also as a step towards eradicating hunger. Ensuring that antibiotics used on farm animals are regulated was also one of the goals of creating this day. Clearer food labeling was also an emphasis.

In Canada, Food Day is more of a culinary celebration that originated from the celebration of “The World’s Longest BBQ”. The main intention of creating National Food Day was however to encourage people to eat healthier, whole foods like vegetables, whole grain, and protein-rich food instead of processed food and drinks. Campaigns and events are organized mostly in New York, Washington D.C., and also in thousands of schools in the nation.

NATIONAL FOOD DAY TIMELINE

1971
The CSPI is Founded
The Center for Science in the Public Interest is formed by Michael F. Jacobson and a few chemists and scientists.

1975
The CSPI Regulates Infant Food
The CSPI publishes a White Paper on Infant Feeding Practices, criticizing the commercialization of the infant food industry’s products.

1975
National Food Day
National Food Day is created by the CSPI to raise awareness about nutrition and food safety.

1989
The CSPI Fights Against Trans-Fats Usage
The CSPI convinces restaurants to stop using animal fat for frying and leads a campaign against trans-fats in fast foods.

HOW TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL FOOD DAY

Eat healthy foods
What better way to celebrate National Food Day than eating healthy food? Cut out the sugar and processed fast food and eat whole vegetables, fruits, and meat. You can also encourage your family members to do the same.

Raise awareness
There are many who don’t know the importance of National Food Day. Write a social media post describing the importance of eating healthy and also the significance of this day. You could use the hashtag #NationalFoodDay.

Learn more
Expand your knowledge on food safety, nutrition, and healthy farming practices. You could attend events, workshops, and discussions in your community center, or do your research online.

5 FACTS ABOUT HEALTHY ORGANIC FOODS THAT WILL BLOW YOUR MIND

They have low nitrate levels
Crops that are grown organically are shown to contain 30% fewer nitrates, which causes nitrate leaching into the water table to be 40% less.

They have more nutrients
Organic foods are said to have significantly greater nutrient content compared to non-organic foods.

Organic farming is good for the environment
Less pollution, less water consumption, and reduced soil erosion are some benefits of organic farming practices.

Organic foods are G.M.O. free
Genetically Modified Organisms (G.M.O.’s) are prohibited in organic foods.

Organic milk is immensely popular
Organic milk is said to be one of the fastest-growing industries in the world market.

WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL FOOD DAY

It reminds us of the importance of eating healthy
We often ignore the importance of eating healthy. Fast foods are replacing traditional home-cooked foods because fast food is easy to buy. Due to convenience, we forget the long-term effects eating fast food has on our bodies. This day is a reminder to eat healthy, whole foods.

It reminds us of the importance of food production
There are millions around the world who are starving. This day reminds us of the importance of food and to be grateful for the food we have on the table. This day also reminds us to donate to charity organizations that provide food to the underprivileged, if we are able.

This day can be used to make people realize the importance of healthy foods
This day can be used to further raise awareness among people to switch to healthier food choices. Many events and workshops are organized that teach the public about sustainable farming practices and the importance of food safety.