As the world marked World Food Day 2025 on Thursday, the Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN), FCT Chapter, has urged the Federal Government to take decisive action against rising inflation and worsening malnutrition.
At an event held in Jikwoyi, Abuja, to commemorate the global day themed “Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future,” the NSN FCT Chairperson, Major Edith Nwachinereme, said the Society is focusing on the grassroots, where malnutrition remains most severe, to promote nutrition education and healthy food practices.
She warned that economic pressures and food waste continue to push more families into hunger.
“When we talk about food, we shouldn’t focus only on the elites. We go to rural communities where malnourished children are more common, to teach mothers how to make nutritious meals from what’s available locally and affordable. This is our third year doing so,” Nwachinereme said.
The outreach brought together 150 mothers, including pregnant women and caregivers, for a day of practical demonstrations on nutritious meal preparation. Each participant received one kilogram of rice, beans, eggs, salt, and vegetables to help them apply what they learned at home.
“We don’t just teach; we practicalise what we preach. Families should eat together to build unity and ensure better nutrition. A malnourished family means a malnourished nation,” she added.
She identified inflation, food waste, and poor preservation practices as key factors driving food insecurity across the country. She called on the government to invest more in community education and support for local farmers.
“If government can help in preservation and reduce post-harvest losses, we won’t be talking about hunger. Inflation has made even basic foods unaffordable. Government must act to stabilise prices and promote local production,” she said.
Nwachinereme noted that the Society has continued its yearly community outreach in different parts of the FCT, including Kubwa and Kuchingoro, to ensure that “no one is left behind.”
A member of the Nutrition Society, Chimay Thompson, emphasised that addressing food insecurity necessitates a multi-sectoral approach that involves the government, the private sector, and communities.
“World Food Day is a reminder that everyone must act together, from policymakers to families. If we produce well and eat right, we can achieve a healthier, more productive nation,” Thompson stressed.
Some beneficiaries shared their gratitude for the initiative. One of the mothers, Esther Joseph, said she learned new ways to cook healthy meals for her family.
“I’ve learned a lot about balanced diets and how to prepare food that will help my children grow well. The food support we got today will help us start immediately,” she said.
Another participant, Peace Isaiah, commended the organisers for showing that good nutrition doesn’t require expensive ingredients.
“I learned about the six classes of food and how to cook balanced meals with what’s available in the local market. This will really help my family,” she said.
World Food Day, celebrated globally every October 16, seeks to raise awareness on food security, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture, in line with the United Nations’ Zero Hunger goal.
