World Food Day takes place on 16 October 2026, a United Nations day led by the Food and Agriculture Organization that asks how everyone can have enough safe and healthy food.
When is World Food Day?
World Food Day takes place in October (October 16). The 2026 theme is Innovate today. Nourish tomorrow. It is one of the many UK awareness days that bring people together around a shared cause: see the full calendar.
Why World Food Day matters
Food poverty affects families in every part of the UK, and food banks and community kitchens depend on volunteers to sort, pack and share food. Local action turns a global day into meals for people who need them. Explore homelessness & poverty volunteering.
How to get involved in World Food Day
There are three simple ways to make World Food Day count:
- Volunteer: sort and pack donations at a food bank or help serve at a community kitchen. Browse opportunities.
- Fundraise: run a food collection or raise money for a local food bank.
- Raise awareness: share how people can donate to or get help from local food projects.
World Food Day volunteering opportunities
Mark World Food Day by doing something real. Find volunteering opportunities and start today.
Get involved with World Food Day
Browse live opportunities, log your hours, and earn verified badges you can add to your CV and LinkedIn. Find volunteering roles or see more awareness days.
Other October Dates
Baby Loss Awareness Week
October 9-15
Back Care Awareness Week
October 2-8
Black History Month
1-31
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
1-31
Dyslexia Awareness Week
October 5-11
Hospice Care Week
October 5-11
Infection Prevention Control Week
October 19-25
International Day of Older Persons
October 1
International Pronouns Day
October 21
International Stammering Awareness Day
October 22
National Cholesterol Month
1-31
National Hate Crime Awareness Week
October 10-17
National Work Life Week
October 5-9
Sober October
1-31
Speak Up Month
October
Stoptober
1-31
Wear It Pink
October 23
World Habitat Day
October 5
World Homeless Day
October 10
World Menopause Day
October 18
World Mental Health Day
October 10
World Smile Day
October 2
World Teachers' Day
October 5
Get involved with World Food Day
Browse opportunities and start making a verified impact today.