To commemorate the 2026 World Food Day, the EARTHDAY.ORG has launched Food for Our Planet initiative; a multiyear global campaign focused on transforming the way food is produced, consumed and valued to build a healthier, sustainable and equitable global food system.

The launch is coming on the heels of the fact that global food systems are undermining public health and the environment. Diet-related chronic diseases have reached epidemic proportions, while harmful pesticides and chemicals, plastics and microplastics, and ultra-processed foods raise growing concerns about human health, just as millions of people also lack access to healthy and affordable food.

Experts claim that addressing these challenges requires fundamental changes to how food are produced and consume, including reducing reliance on industrial animal agriculture and accelerating the shift toward healthier, more plant-based diets.

Global Director of Food and Environment at EARTHDAY.ORG, Jillian Semaan, said the industry players cannot continue to ignore the enormous toll the food system is taking on public health and the environment.

“From the harmful chemicals and plastics in our food to the devastating consequences of industrial animal agriculture, the way we produce and consume food must change. Food for Our Planet is about mobilizing people, engaging governments and businesses, and building partnerships to drive meaningful change toward a healthier, more transparent food system that puts people and the planet first.”

According to its design, Food for Our Planet will drive global action across three interconnected priorities: Healthy People, Healthy Soils and Healthy Futures.

Through Healthy People, EARTHDAY.ORG will drive action to:reduce harmful substances: Reduce the use of harmful pesticides and chemicals, plastics and microplastics in food by 30 per cent by 2040; advance food transparency: advocate for mandatory labeling of all ultra-processed foods; accelerate plant-based diets: build a global consumer movement of 10 million people committed to eating more plant-based foods; transform school food systems: Work with schools and universities to expand access to plant-based option; invest in safer alternatives: Work with companies and governments to mobilise at least $20b in investments in alternatives to harmful chemicals; and educate and mobilise: Reach at least 100 million people with education about the health and environmental impacts of food production and consumption, and healthier, more sustainable alternatives.

“Through Healthy Soils, EARTHDAY.ORG will advance efforts to: restore agricultural land: transition 100 million acres of agricultural land to regenerative and other soil-restoring practices that improve soil health, increase carbon sequestration and restore surrounding ecosystems; reduce chemical dependence: support farmers in reducing reliance on harmful pesticides, chemicals and synthetic fertilizers; and finance the transition: engage governments, multilateral institutions, philanthropies and investors to mobilise financial support for healthier, more sustainable agricultural practices worldwide.

“Through Healthy Futures, EARTHDAY.ORG will drive solutions to: reduce food and packaging waste: partner with governments, corporations and innovators to advance solutions that reduce food waste and unnecessary packaging; advance safer agricultural innovations: work with governments, researchers and investors to develop and scale alternatives to harmful synthetic pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers; strengthen transparency: advocate for an end to deceptive food labeling and greater accountability across the food system; and empower the next generation: engage young people in shaping the future of food through education, advocacy and action.

Leveraging EARTHDAY.ORG’s global network of educators, students, farmers, Mayors, faith-based organisations and other partners, Food for Our Planet aims to mobilise people worldwide to drive changes in food policies and practices, build demand for healthier alternatives and hold governments and corporations accountable for creating a healthier, more sustainable food system.

The campaign will be a central focus of Earth Day 2027, mobilising millions of people through events, educational initiatives and community actions worldwide to advance healthier, more sustainable food systems.