International Food Day | Funny Holidays

"Food, Glorious Food..."

Besides being a basic necessity for every living creature on the planet, food for humans represents much more than just "fuel" for life - it's a reason for socializing and gathering, as well as a form of hedonism and enjoyment of life that is accessible to most of humanity, at least on special occasions.

The pleasure generated by the taste or aroma of a favorite dish or dessert, or the euphoria produced by beautifully presented and garnished food, has its physiological (and crucial) basis in hunger. The happiness hormone usually kicks into high gear when the stomach growls and the favorite food is on the table.

Perhaps the most beautiful aspect of enjoying food is the subjectivity of that feeling. Regardless of the cooking method, the uniqueness of ingredients, the exclusivity, or the appearance of the dish, the range of bites that can bring pleasure spans from hot and crispy bread from the bakery to expensive, meticulously prepared specialties with exotic ingredients.

As no one in the world is indifferent to food and the variety of flavors, an unofficial holiday was established in the mid-20th century - World Food Day, celebrated on October 16th every year.

World Food Day

However, the idea behind this "holiday" is not merely a celebration based on hedonistic enjoyment of food and its abundance but, above all, raising social awareness about the significant number of people worldwide who do not have this privilege.

On the contrary, hunger remains the biggest problem facing humanity and the most common cause of death worldwide. While one part of the world enjoys material prosperity, another part is literally fighting for survival and the most basic physiological needs.

Another major global issue related to food (certainly smaller than the previous one but still significant) is gluttony and overnutrition. Therefore, one of the goals of World Food Day is to highlight the necessity of proper nutrition and promote education about a healthy lifestyle.

How to celebrate World Food Day?

The most appropriate way to socially responsibly celebrate World Food Day in Serbia can be through donating food to those who don't have enough. If not personally, then through church or humanitarian organizations like the Red Cross, which has its branches in all major cities in Serbia.

Organizing events and collecting donations for community kitchens and shelters is also a way to responsibly observe this day, but it is welcome at any other time as well. However much you contribute to this goal, someone will appreciate it.

As for personal celebrations, you can "honor" World Food Day in your own way, but we advise it to be something unusual, authentic, and creative. Here are a few ideas:

• If you eat healthy, indulge a little, and if you overindulge, have a healthy meal...
• If you prefer homemade cuisine, try something exotic...
• If you are mostly vegetarian, have a bite of meat, and if you are a carnivore, a little bit of vegetables won't hurt...
• If you regularly eat cooked food, treat yourself to some fast food, and if you are a frequent consumer of burgers and pizza, treat yourself to some soup...
• Replace processed sugars with fruits, and turn fruits into juices...

The options are endless... Let's be grateful for them...