Tshwane metro celebrates World Food Day by supporting households in Hammanskraal
"By promoting sustainable agriculture all year round, the 2021 theme of better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life will be made a reality."
Tshwane metro, in partnership with Angels of Glory and the Gauteng department of agriculture and rural development, celebrated World Food Day in Hammanskraal by providing households with food parcels, garden tools and seedlings on Thursday.
World Food Day is celebrated annually on October 16, to promote global awareness and action for those who suffer from hunger and to highlight the need to ensure a healthy diet for all.
According to environment and agriculture management MMC Dana Wannenburg, this year’s World Food Day was the second of its kind and commemorated while countries around the world dealt with the widespread effects of the Covid-19 pandemic under the theme of better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life.
“In 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic affected the entire global food system as well as food security. Throughout the world it caused health and economic crises, exacerbated poverty, disrupted food supply chains, and heightened gender inequality.
“Coupled with an increase in unemployment, the pandemic had a major effect on food security and nutritional health on the entire world,” he said.
Wannenburg said that in Tshwane, it was estimated that 213 000 households were in need of food, presenting a strategic challenge to the metro in having to fulfil its mandate as a city that cares for the well-being of its residents.
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“According to a vulnerability study previously undertaken it emerged that households in regions 1 and 2 to the far north of the metro would be hardest hit by climate change.
“By promoting sustainable agriculture all year round, the 2021 theme of better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life will be made a reality.
“Smallholder farmers have an important role to play in the food systems; they possess the power to increase production through food availability and accessibility, they protect the environment, promote food security and nutrition and creates a better life for all,” he said.
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