Today marks the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.  

Established by the United Nations 25 years ago, it was created to “[invite] all States to devote the Day to presenting and promoting, as appropriate in the national context, concrete activities with regard to the eradication of poverty and destitution.”

The Eradication of Poverty Day falls during The Global Food Week of Action, a week-long event from Oct. 14-21 where Christians from around the world address issues of food justice. 

This interdenominational campaign was initiated by the World Council of Churches-Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance (WCC-EAA).  It also includes World Food Day (Oct. 16), and International Day for Rural Women (Oct. 15).

Dr Fidèle Fifamè Houssou-Gandonou, a member of a participating West African organization of the WCC-EAA, explains how the goal of the Global Food Week is to address more than a lack of food.

“In a world that produces enough and more food for all, but where one third of it is wasted and 795 million people around the globe go to sleep hungry, we pray for the strength to stand with the oppressed and overcome greed and injustice.”  

Andrew Kong Bartlett, the Presbyterian Hunger Program’s associate for national hunger concerns further reflects on the week.

 “World Food Day gives us a chance to express our gratitude for the abundance of God’s creation and show our love for the land, water, soil and all the many neighbors — sometimes spanning great distances — who grow the food we eat.” 

The Presbyterian Hunger Program advocates for for food justice not just during this week, but all year round.  This year they focused on three main action items: Claiming rights, fair compensation and food sovereignty. 

To commemorate the week, events will be held throughout the country, and beyond, that include a screening of the documentary Modified in Middlebury, VT, a speaker series in Durham, NC and a Rise Against Hunger event in Oxford, OH.  

For listing of additional events visit here.