Shaanxi marks World Food Day with push for grain conservation, whole-grain nutrition

Xi'an hosted Shaanxi province's main event for the 2026 World Food Day and National Food Security Publicity Week on Oct 17.

The event was jointly organized by five provincial departments and organizations, with a focus on promoting grain conservation among young people and raising awareness of the nutritional benefits of whole grains. It also highlighted the importance of reducing food loss and waste and adopting healthier dietary habits, encouraging joint efforts to safeguard food security.
Oct 16 marked the 46th World Food Day, with this year's National Food Security Publicity Week themed "Implementing the Whole-Grain Action Plan to Reduce Food Loss and Waste and Improve Nutrition and Health." Shaanxi has stepped up food security education for young people through regular activities promoting grain conservation and encouraging healthier eating habits.
The event featured children's recitations, presentations on grain conservation initiatives in schools, sharing sessions on whole-grain industry development, and themed musical performances. Participants also read out an initiative calling on the public to value and conserve grain. Five volunteer service teams received flags at a ceremony, marking the launch of regular public education and volunteer activities to promote food security and discourage waste across different sectors.
Several themed exhibition areas offered visitors opportunities to learn and engage. Students' paintings, calligraphy and handicrafts highlighted young people's efforts to promote grain conservation. A science education zone provided practical information on assessing grain and edible oil quality and proper grain storage, while a whole-grain exhibition and tasting area showcased new whole-grain staple food products. Participants also visited the storage facilities and science education halls of Xi'an Aiju Grain and Oil Industry Group Co Ltd to learn more about food security, grain storage and food loss reduction.
Zhao Guangzhu, Party secretary and director of the Shaanxi Provincial Bureau of Grain and Material Reserves, said Shaanxi has continued to fulfill its responsibility for safeguarding food security by coordinating efforts across the grain supply chain, from production and reserves to circulation. The province has also advanced food loss reduction, promoted whole-grain nutrition and strengthened food security education for young people. He emphasized that safeguarding food security requires coordinated action across departments and broad participation from all sectors of society.

The event helped raise awareness of whole-grain nutrition and reinforce public commitment to grain conservation. Going forward, Shaanxi will strengthen interdepartmental coordination, advance the Whole-Grain Action Plan, and expand public outreach to further consolidate the province's food security foundation.