Before delving into some details in this article, let’s start with definitions to clarify the terms.
What is a pandemic?
Pandemics, or pandemic diseases, are the general term for epidemics that spread and affect a very wide area, such as a continent or even the entire globe. According to the WHO (World Health Organization) definition, a pandemic requires three conditions: the emergence of a disease to which the population has not previously been exposed; the causative agent infecting humans and causing a dangerous disease; and finally, the disease agent spreading easily and continuously among humans (See: https://www.hurriyet.com.tr/galeri-pandemi-nedir-pandemi-ne-demek-kisaca-pandemi-hakkinda-bilgiler-41485692 ).
What is a Food Bank?
A food bank is a non-governmental organization that collects, separates, stores, and distributes donated food, clothing, cleaning and hygiene products to those in need. Companies and individuals deposit food, clothing, and cleaning products into this “bank,” and those in need withdraw these items. For details, please visit TİDER’s website: https://www.tider.org/tur/gida-bankaciligi
What is the UN FAO?
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) was established in 1943 to eradicate hunger and improve nutrition, and became a specialized agency of the United Nations in 1946. You can read the details at https://tr.wikipedia.org/wiki/G%C4%B1da_ve_Tar%C4%B1m_%C3%96rg%C3%BCt%C3%BC and visit the official website: http://www.fao.org
About two weeks ago (29 September), the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste was celebrated by the FAO: http://www.fao.org/international-day-awareness-food-loss-waste/en/
Furthermore, “World Food Day” is held every year on 16 October to celebrate the founding of the UN FAO. This year’s theme is “Let’s Grow, Let’s Nourish, Let’s Sustain Together.”
It is hoped that efforts to prevent food waste will increase, that food sustainability will be achieved, and that it will be embraced by everyone. This is, in fact, one of TİDER’s important missions.
In fact, I’ve shared our Waste Prevention Vision many times in recent years. Let me share it again:
We celebrate 16 October, World Food Day!
17 October, “World Day for the Elimination of Poverty”
The United Nations, one of whose goals is to combat poverty, declared 17 October as “World Day for the Elimination of Poverty” on 22 December 1992. The UN administration attaches so much importance to this that it has placed “Ending Poverty” at the top of its Sustainable Development Goals.
Of course, we need to ask, “Is poverty decreasing in the current period?” Unfortunately, poverty is increasing exponentially, especially during the Covid-19 period. We have abundant data on this. It is precisely at this time that the importance of food banking organizations like GFN and TİDER becomes evident once again. On this occasion, we celebrate 17 October, World Day for the Elimination of Poverty.
What is the GFN (Global Foodbanking Network)?
GFN is a global food bank network. In other words, it is a non-governmental organization that provides a platform where all food banks worldwide are members, exchange ideas, share their knowledge and experience, and undertake social activities together. GFN also serves as a supporting non-governmental organization that directs international suppliers, creates grant programs, and transfers know-how for all food banks and national networks worldwide. To learn more about GFN, please visit their website: https://www.foodbanking.org/
To understand the current state of the global hunger crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic, let’s listen to the important messages GFN recently shared with its network of food banks:
- Covid-19 has created an environment that has transformed from a healthy environment to a hunger crisis.
- 690 million people struggle with chronic hunger, and this number could increase by another 130 million this year due to COVID-19. Women and children have been hit the hardest.
- One in four people suffers from food insecurity. Three billion people cannot afford healthy meals.
Hundreds of millions of children worldwide are forced to skip school meals. GFN and its network of food banks develop and implement operations and programs for children in need.
- Covid-19 is increasing the demand for food at an unprecedented rate, driving us towards a global hunger crisis. Food banks are struggling to meet this demand with limited resources and capabilities.
- Efforts to prevent food loss and waste (FLW) present an opportunity in the fight against hunger.
- One-third of all food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted.
- While malnutrition is a growing problem worldwide, approximately half of all fruits and vegetables produced go to waste.
- Food loss and waste (FLW) is responsible for 6% of global greenhouse gas emissions. If FLW were a country, it would be the third largest greenhouse gas emitter in the world.
Food banks offer food and hope
- Many people are applying for assistance for the first time. ● With GFN’s contributions, food banks in 44 countries have provided support to approximately 22 million people since the COVID-19 crisis.
- Food banks in the 44 countries within the GFN network have served more than 100,000 new people in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Food banks recover food that would otherwise be lost and deliver it to those in need. Strengthening food banks means fighting hunger by reducing food loss and waste.
- GFN helps food banks develop skills and experience, access food, build a workforce, invest in equipment, and organize effectively.
Food banks in the GFN network published and shared these messages with the public between 29 September and 17 October. Called “Serving Hope,” these campaigns were carried out in food banks across the world.
From wastepaper to the dance of clothes!
While discussing the global situation, I’m delighted by the emergence of people who, despite everything, are still expressing their creativity during the pandemic. Here’s a news report about Australian dancer Ashleigh Perrie performing paper bag art on a quarantined cruise ship: https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/cruise-ship-performer-makes-paper-bag-outfits/index.html
TİDER also implemented these international campaigns in Turkey. You can find some of TİDER’s visuals below:
I previously wrote two articles about TİDER’s work during the pandemic. Let me share them as a reminder:
https://www.serhansuzer.com/tr/salginda-tiderden-onemli-katkilar
https://www.serhansuzer.com/tr/turkiyede-bir-ilk-otomat-gida-bankaciligi
GFN has extended a helping hand to a total of 75 million people through its network of food banks and national organizations. During this period, TİDER has delivered essential goods to more than 620,000 people and continues to do so. Beyond traditional food banking, it has also undertaken innovative initiatives such as the Automated Food Bank. You can follow TİDER’s activities on its website at https://www.tider.org/ .
Are these sufficient? Of course, they are not. I still personally receive dozens of requests for assistance every week. People in our country and around the world are facing a more challenging test than ever during the COVID-19 period. Neither I nor TİDER, of which I am a founder, can keep up with all these requests. And we cannot.
Coalition and solidarity are essential.
If our government, the private sector, and all non-governmental organizations collaborate, it will only be possible to significantly meet and meet the emerging needs through such solidarity. Still, I’m proud of TİDER, our other NGOs in Turkey, and the other food banks in the GFN network who are doing their best. Thanks to what we do through these NGOs in times of greatest need, we can offer some relief to people’s problems. There are NGOs working not only on people but also on animals. People aren’t the only ones in need. As a reminder about animals, I’d like to share this link: https://www.instagram.com/p/B-H2sxKhXfS/?igshid=jjxz2zqtlw16
These difficult times will pass. Our work will continue until we create a world where there is no waste and no one in need.
Those who wish to support TİDER in this challenging struggle can visit https://fonzip.com/tider/bagis#/ and make their donations. Thank you in advance for your support.
Tag: health
