World Food Day • October 16,2026

Food That Feels Like Home

On October 16, people around the world celebrate World Food Day, marking the founding of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and a shared goal: a better, sustainable food future for all. The global theme of World Food Day 2026, “Innovate today. Nourish tomorrow.”, this connects closely to our work to expand access to culturally familiar foods across central Pennsylvania.

Connecting Food, Culture, and Community

Familiar foods can help our neighbors feel at home and stay connected to their cultures and traditions.

As part of our mission of ending hunger by providing nutritious food, fostering community collaboration, and advancing innovative solutions. The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank’s Culturally Familiar Food Initiative draws on the expertise of leaders in this work, builds cultural food knowledge among staff and agency partners, and expands access to and availability of culturally familiar foods.

A NEW RESOURCE FOR OUR FOOD NETWORK

Cultural Cuisines of Central Pennsylvania

Central Pennsylvania Food Bank teamed up with Penn State REACH (Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health) to create Cultural Cuisines of Central Pennsylvania: A Food Guide for the Charitable Food System.

The guide supports our work to build cultural food knowledge and awareness, helping staff and agency partners better understand the food traditions of the communities we serve.

Explore the Cuisines Included in the Guide

  • African American
  • Arab
  • Caribbean: Dominican Republic, Haiti, Puerto Rico
  • Central American
  • Central & South Asian: Afghanistan, Nepal & Bhutan, Pakistan
  • East & Southeast Asian
  • Eastern European
  • Mexican
  • South American
  • Sub-Saharan African

MAKE A DIFFERENCE THIS WORLD FOOD DAY

Help Bring Familiar Foods to the Table

In honor of World Food Day, please consider making a gift to support Central Pennsylvania Food Bank’s Culturally Familiar Food Initiative. Your generosity helps expand access to culturally familiar foods, so more of our neighbors can enjoy meals that help them feel at home.