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The theme for IYD 2021 is Transforming Food Systems: Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health.
Ottawa (12 Aug. 2021) — International Youth Day (IYD) is a commemorative day organized by the United Nations. It is celebrated every year on August 12 to highlight the issues youth face worldwide. The theme for IYD 2021 is Transforming Food Systems: Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health.
The description of the theme on the United Nations website is as follows, “It has been acknowledged that there is a need for inclusive support mechanisms that ensure youth continue to amplify efforts collectively and individually to restore the planet and protect life, while integrating biodiversity in the transformation of food systems. With the world’s population expected to increase by 2 billion people in the next 30 years, it has become recognized by numerous stakeholders that simply producing a larger volume of healthier food more sustainably will not ensure human and planetary wellbeing. Other crucial challenges must also be addressed, such as the interlinkages embodied by the 2030 Agenda including poverty reduction; social inclusion; health care; biodiversity conservation; and climate change mitigation.”
Food deserts and food scarcity a problem for millions of people living in Canada.
Food deserts are areas where people have limited access to a variety of healthy foods. Food deserts occur due to a variety of factors: areas not having stores or restaurants that sell healthy food, populations not being able to afford healthy food, stores and restaurants that sell healthy food not being within walking distance, and areas not having sufficient public transit networks. BIPOC, people with disabilities, seniors, and low-income families are disproportionately affected by food deserts.
In 2019, Food Banks Canada reported that a total of 1,084,386 visits were made to food banks across Canada. 34.1 per cent of those visits were made by children, despite children only representing 19.4 per cent of the population. 47 per cent of food banks across Canada also reported an increase in visits from the previous year.
Food banks nationwide faced unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Food Banks Canada reported that these challenges, “ranged from huge reductions in volunteers, significant shortages in food supply due to large disruptions in the supply chain and a decline in public donations, large reductions in previous funding streams, and challenges to rapidly implement new public health protocols.” Despite that, many food banks saw a decrease in usage during the pandemic, in large part to the CERB and increases to the Canada Child Benefit which allowed recipients to purchase food. Even with new social policy initiatives, one third of all food banks reported an overall increase of usage during the pandemic.
Food must be sourced in an ethical way
Deforestation, overfishing, disturbing ecosystems, soil depletion, ocean pollution, air pollution and more are all factors to consider when sourcing food. The climate emergency is real and it’s imperative that we find ways to grow, source, manufacture, and ship food that don't accelerate the climate crisis.
Many food manufacturers and fast-food restaurants are developing reusable containers. The pandemic might have slowed the development and rollout of reusable containers but it’s a worthwhile avenue to explore. However, these strategies must be developed with the needs of everyone considered. When talks of a ban on plastic straws began, people with disabilities and advocacy groups were quick to point out that plastic straws (particularly bendable plastic straws) are a necessary tool for many people with disabilities.
Equitable food systems a necessity
Simply having food isn’t enough. Diets that consist primarily of unhealthy foods lead to obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and some forms of cancer. Youth need access to a variety of healthy foods to grow properly.
And besides the obvious benefits to the individual, society also benefits from healthy young people. Treating nutrition-related chronic diseases is extremely costly and puts a burden on the health system. Furthermore, many nutrition-related chronic diseases may force workers to take time off or not be able to work period. It’s in the best interest of society to ensure that youth have consistent access to healthy foods during their lifespan.
Canada’s food waste problem
A 2019 study by the United Nations revealed that the average Canadian wastes 79 kilograms of food per year, making Canada one of the worst food wasters in North America, Latin America and the Caribbean (CTV News). A similar report released in 2019 by Second Harvest found that the value of food wasted in Canada yearly is approximately $49 billion. That amount of food is approximately enough to feed every person in Canada for 5 months (CBC News).
Beyond being costly to the individual, food waste takes away from potential food producing space and produces harmful greenhouse gasses. Parents can introduce children to the value of food from a young age. Including children in the shopping and cooking process makes them aware of the journey their food takes from the store to their table. Youth can also assist their parents with donating excess food to shelters or food recovery organizations in their communities. Growing produce in the backyard or community garden, assisting with composting, and taking them to local farmer's markets further helps youth understand the food journey and teaches them the importance of sustainable food systems.
Youth deserve a voice in the conversation about transforming food systems
It's essential that we include youth in conversation about transforming food systems. All too often, the people making decisions fail to consult or consider the ramifications of their decisions on future generations. Youth are already active in discussions around the climate emergency; it's beyond time to include them in other conversations too.