On World Food Day, REMAR highlights the importance of adequate nutrition as a human right, providing food to thousands of people in 70 countries and reminding them of the urgency of reducing waste
Every October 16 since 1979, the world comes together to commemorate World Food Day, an initiative promoted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). This day aims to raise awareness about the importance of ensuring adequate food for all and fighting hunger, a global challenge that the 2030 Agenda seeks to eradicate, with its goal of “zero hunger.”
This year’s theme, “Right to food for a better life and future”, reminds us that food is not a luxury, but a basic human right. Access to sufficient and nutritious food is vital not only for survival, but also for people’s physical, mental and social development. Yet, every day, millions of people around the world suffer the consequences of a lack of food.
The global challenge of hunger
FAO stresses that to feed a growing world population, food production will need to increase by 60% by 2050. Added to this is another critical problem: one third of the food produced worldwide is lost or wasted. Efficient management of agricultural resources is essential not only to reduce hunger, but also to meet the challenges of climate change, which directly impacts food production.
In 2024, FAO is also focusing on how migration and displacement influence the distribution of food resources, and how the development of sustainable food systems can be a response to these challenges. Investing in agriculture and rural development is key to mitigating these crises, as the future of humanity depends on proper management of natural and food resources.


REMAR: Committed to the fight against hunger
“The generous person will be blessed, because he shares his bread with the poor.” Proverbs 22:9 (NIV)
For more than 42 years, REMAR has been at the forefront of this fight. With a presence in more than 70 countries around the world, REMAR provides food support to thousands of people in vulnerable situations: children, young people, adults, the elderly and entire families who, without this support, would not have their three daily meals guaranteed.
REMAR’s work is particularly significant for the children who have been taken under its protection. Many of them arrive with alarming levels of malnutrition, a problem that affects their physical and mental development. Thanks to God who uses REMAR as an instrument of help, the care of its volunteers and a balanced diet, these children have managed to recover dramatically, achieving normal growth and development, as any child should be able to experience.
An example of food distribution in Spain
Every week, REMAR carries out essential work in food distribution in Spain, reaching thousands of people in vulnerable situations. In the Community of Madrid, for example, more than 1,200 food baskets are distributed weekly, which is equivalent to more than 5,000 baskets per month and almost 62,000 baskets in a year. This continuous effort and the effective logistics of the organization are a testament to REMAR’s commitment to ensuring that families have access to basic and nutritious food.
However, REMAR’s impact goes beyond Madrid. Nationwide, the organization distributes around 6,500 food baskets each week, adding up to almost 26,000 baskets per month and exceeding 310,000 baskets annually. These figures reflect REMAR’s unwavering dedication in its fight against hunger and poverty in diverse communities throughout Spain.


A reflection on food waste
In a world where millions of people suffer from lack of food, it is shocking to know that one third of the food produced globally ends up wasted. This waste not only means a loss of valuable resources, such as water, energy and labour, but also a lost opportunity to feed those who need it most. Hunger is not only a question of production, but also of distribution and responsibility.
Each of us can contribute to the fight against hunger, starting in our daily lives. How? By avoiding food waste in our homes. We can be more conscious when planning our purchases, using what we already have before buying more, and storing food properly to extend its shelf life. Small gestures such as using leftovers or sharing with those in need can have a significant impact.
Taking steps to reduce food waste is not only an act of responsibility, but also a gesture of solidarity towards those who lack the most basic necessities. If each of us does our part, together we can reduce the amount of food that is lost and thrown away, and instead, offer a food opportunity to those who need it most.
A call for solidarity
On this World Food Day, REMAR reminds us that there is still much to be done in the fight against hunger. Every day, millions of people suffer the consequences of a lack of food, but every day is also a new opportunity to show solidarity with those most in need. REMAR, with more than four decades of experience, continues to witness the transformation that adequate nutrition can generate in the lives of those who need it most.
We invite everyone to join this cause. Your support, whether through donations, volunteering or in-kind contributions, can make a difference in the lives of many people who depend on these resources for a better chance at life. Together we can fight hunger!