World Porridge Day is observed annually on October 10th, but there’s a National Porridge Week in the UK from October 7th-13th.
World Porridge Day 2024 is an annual global event dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of nutrition and access to nutritious food, with a special focus on the significance of porridge. This day celebrates its nutritional value and its role in providing nourishment to people in need, particularly children. World Porridge Day also supports charities and organisations working to combat hunger and malnutrition. As World Porridge Day approaches, let’s explore the significance of this day, when it takes place, how to get involved, its history, and ways to connect with others through hashtags.
Porridge is a food made by heating or boiling ground, crushed or chopped starchy plants, typically grain, in milk or water. It is often cooked or served with added flavourings such as sugar, honey, fruit, or syrup to make a sweet cereal, or it can be mixed with spices, meat, or vegetables to make a savoury dish. It is usually served hot in a bowl, depending on its consistency. Oatmeal is one of the most common types. Gruel is a thinner version, and congee is a savoury variation of Asian origin.
Nutritious
World Porridge Day recognises the importance of the food as nutritious and accessible, particularly for vulnerable populations. It serves as a reminder of the vital role that a simple bowl can play in combating hunger and malnutrition worldwide. On this day, individuals, communities, and organisations come together to raise awareness and support initiatives that provide nutritious meals to those in need.
Participating in World Porridge Day allows you to support nutrition efforts and combat hunger. Here are some meaningful ways to get involved:
- Host Breakfasts: Organise porridge breakfast events in your community, workplace, or school, and encourage donations to support hunger relief programs.
- Donate to Charities: Contribute to charities and organisations that provide nutritious meals to children and families in need.
- Raise Awareness: Share information about World Porridge Day on social media, along with facts about the importance of nutrition and food security.
- Support School Meals Programs: Advocate for and contribute to school meals programs that ensure children have access to nutritious food.
- Volunteer: Volunteer your time and skills to organisations that work on food distribution and nutrition programs in your community.
- Learn About Food Security: Educate yourself about global food security issues and support policies and initiatives aimed at ending hunger.
World Porridge Day was established by the Scottish charity Mary’s Meals in 2009. It was inspired by the work of Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow, the founder of Mary’s Meals, who witnessed the positive impact of a daily mug of porridge on chronically hungry children in Malawi. This simple yet nutritious meal not only provides essential nutrients but also encourages children to attend school, where they receive an education.
Since its inception, World Porridge Day has grown into a global event supported by individuals, communities, and organisations around the world. It continues to raise awareness about the importance of nutrition and access to food.
Here’s a delicious recipe you can enjoy from NHS Better Health.
Creamy Banana Porridge With Mish-mash Raspberries
Add fruity goodness to your breakfast with mashed banana and raspberries.
Prep: 10 mins Put the oats into a saucepan with the milk and water. Heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens. Reduce the heat and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often.
Meanwhile, mash the bananas in a bowl using a fork. Stir half into the porridge. Add the raspberries (or thawed frozen summer berries) to the rest of the banana and squash them a little with the fork.
Share between 6 warm bowls and top each portion with the yoghurt and the raspberry mixture.
Cook: 10 mins
Serves 6
Ingredients
Method
See also: Celebrate Swedish Cinnamon Bun Day
