13 October 2004 Press Release Press release on World Food Day Events by the City of Johannesburg Environmental Health Unit World Food Day is one of the major events celebrated internationally on the 16th of October of every year. This day is aimed at creating awareness around issues of food shortages amongst underprivileged communities. A different theme is developed every year to convey this message, and this year's theme is:"Biodiversity for food security". As a result of addressing these issues people are empowered to fight hunger through economical and self-sustaining projects using available resources. This is done through a number of interventions including community food gardens which can be used as a source of food and income. The City of Johannesburg has diverse communities ranging from the rich to the poor across its 10 Regions. To commemorate this day Environmental Health Services in all the Regions will embark on awareness campaigns addressing food related issues based on the needs of the specific Regions. The following objectives were drawn from the different interventions proposed by the Regions to highlight the role of Environmental Health: To promote / empower / capacitate communities on food gardening as an affordable source of food and income. To create awareness and promote acceptable food hygiene and safety standards amongst formal & informal food businesses and communities. To create awareness and promote nutritionally balanced diets targeting vulnerable groups like children, diabetics, etc. and the communities at large. To create a law enforcement awareness amongst formal and informal food businesses and communities. To promote partnerships amongst involved stakeholders. To celebrate World Food Day. The main event will be hosted by Region 3, addressing child nutrition, hygiene and safety standards, law enforcement education to child care minders and parents. Attached, is schedule of events planned for the City's 11 regions: Region 3 Date :16/10/04 Venue :Walter Sisulu in Randburg Time :09H00 - 13H00 Activities :Awareness on child nutrition, child-care services bylaws, speech :and ex Contact : Mercia Kgaladi (011) 881 6449 Regions 1&2 Will embark on a law enforcement blitz in the Region. Region 4 Date 15/10/04 Venue :Highgate Shopping Centre Time :09H00 - 15H00 Activities :Exhibitions Contact : Sharlene Gwangwa (011) 474 6703/4 Region 5 Date 16/10/04 Venue : Hillfox FleaMarket Time : 09H00 - 13H00 Activities : Exhibitions, bylaw enforcement education Contact : Richard Tsele (011) 761 0250 Region 6 Date :15/10/04 Venue : Jabulani Civic Centre Time :09H00 - 13H00 Activities :Prize-giving ceremony to shop owners , exhibition & speech Contact :Philisiwe Bhengu (011) 986 0202 Region 7 Date :15/10/04 Venue :Mayibuye Primary School; Time :09H00-12H00 Activities :Food gardening Contact :Rebecca Phihlela (011) 311 2021 / 082 823 5009 Region 8 Date : 14 & 15/10/04 Venue : Yeoville Recreation Centre & Yeoville Shopping Centre Time : 11H00 - 14H00 Activities : Workshop & awareness and education to the public. Contact : Robert Maapola / Patricia Mbowane (011) 274 4800 Region 9 Date : 15/10/04 Venue : Queen Modjadji Boardroom, Eureka House Time : 09H00 - 12H00 Activities : Awareness on Child-care bylaws, child nutrition & speech Contact : Bongi Mpongwana (011) 681 8058 Region 10 Date :12 & 16/10/04 Venue :Kliptown & Bara Taxi Ranks Time :09H00 - 12H00 Activities : Exhibition Contact : Nokuthula Hadebe (011) 933 2422 Region 11 Date :14 October 2004 Venue : CBD Lenasia Taxi Rank Time :09h00 onwards Activities : Food Control Exhibitions, Talks on food safety, and law enforcement education Contact : George Shirinda : (011) 857 1244 / 082 962 8113 OR : Stanley Govender : (011) 852 4333