Day 16: Grateful for our food

For many of us, if we are hungry, we go to the fridge or cupboard for food. If there is nothing there, we have been able to head to a corner store, supermarket or cafe. 

Millions of people around the world don’t have that option, either through lack of access to food, poverty or current global circumstances. In our own cities and towns someone is going without – simply because they cannot afford it. 

There are many positive things you can do which, when coupled with an attitude of gratitude for all that you do have, can make a positive impact. 

• If circumstances allow, put your money where your mouth is. If you believe that everyone deserves access to nutritious safe food, then start looking at your purchases. How does the food you buy support this? Some companies actively do good in your local and wider community – supporting them gives you more bang for your buck. 

• Don’t waste food. In western countries we waste an average of 20 per cent of our food. That’s one in every five shopping bags! Buy food as you need it, share extra food when you can or freeze leftovers for another day. 

• If you are in a position to do so, donate food to food banks – you can support people (and animals) by purchasing appropriate food and donating at your local supermarket or community house. 

Talk to your friends and family about this issue and see what you can do together. You could start a fun activity together that helps others. 

There are small steps each of us can take. Each of us can be more conscious about what we eat, be thankful for the access to food we have and to work hard to minimise any waste. 

Most of all, enjoy your food and be grateful for how lucky you are to have it. We certainly are.