In a vibrant celebration marking World Food Day 2023, Pujehun District in Sierra Leone took center stage as the chosen venue for the event. The Government of Sierra Leone selected the district to host this significant occasion, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to ensuring global food security.

World Food Day, observed on 16th October annually, serves as a global platform to promote awareness and action for food security. This year, under the theme “Water is Life, Water is Food – Leave no one behind,” the event focused on addressing hunger, promoting sustainable farming, and reducing food wastage. The day underscored the need for cooperation and collective efforts to guarantee everyone access to safe and nutritious food, emphasizing the importance of sustainable food systems.

His Excellency, President Julius Maada Bio, used this momentous occasion to launch the “FEED SALONE PROGRAMME,” a strategic initiative by the Government of Sierra Leone to tackle the nation’s food security challenges. During his address, President Bio outlined the program’s goals, stating, “In the next five years, our goal is to harness our country’s full agriculture potential to feed ourselves, sell the food we produce to others, and improve the quality of life of our people by engaging citizens, especially the youth, in agriculture.”

The celebration was marked by various activities organized by CUAMM teams, including screening and sensitization sessions on healthy habits and sustainable food systems. CUAMM, in collaboration with local partners and stakeholders, showcased their efforts in ensuring food security. One notable initiative was the establishment of nutrition gardens, enabling communities, especially women and children, to access nutritious diets at the household level.

At the heart of the celebration was the CUAMM booth, where visitors had the opportunity to learn about CUAMM’s operations in the district and its contributions to the World Food Day event. The booth featured informative displays, including harvested produce from nutrition gardens and a Food Pyramid highlighting the importance of nutritious diets.

A significant highlight of the event was the presence of prominent guests, the Deputy Minister of Health and Sanitation, and President Julius Maada Bio himself, who visited the CUAMM booth. This provided an invaluable opportunity for CUAMM to showcase its interventions, particularly in promoting food security among women and children.

The World Food Day celebration in Pujehun District served as a testament to the collaborative efforts of the government, organizations like CUAMM, and local communities in ensuring a future where no one is left behind in the pursuit of adequate, safe, and nutritious food.