Photo by RET

Article by Ali Selim Kara, Communications Officer for RET in Türkiye

ANKARA, TÜRKIYE – On October 16th, in celebration of World Food Day, RET International held a series of events at its community centers in Aksaray, Samsun, and Kayseri.

Importance of World Food Day

World Food Day, celebrated annually on October 16th, highlights the global fight against hunger and malnutrition. This important day encourages global efforts to improve food security, raise awareness on healthy eating habits, and address challenges related to food sustainability and access.

According to the United Nations, food safety is a major concern worldwide. Each year, 1 in 10 people globally fall ill after consuming contaminated food, and approximately 420,000 people die from foodborne diseases. Ensuring access to safe and nutritious food is crucial not only for a healthy society but also for fostering sustainable development, which is one of the key pillars of RET International’s mission. Hence, it is vital to focus on the message that food safety is a right for all on World Food Day.

For RET in Türkiye, World Food Day is closely tied to its mission of promoting healthy food practices, ensuring access to nutritious meals for vulnerable communities, and fostering social cohesion through inclusive and community-centered activities. Through the events organized at our centers, we aimed to raise awareness about the importance of nutrition, food safety, and collaboration between local and refugee communities, all while celebrating their diverse cultural backgrounds.

Photo by RET

Kayseri: Promoting Cultural Exchange and Food Safety

In Kayseri, RET International organized a comprehensive session that brought together both local and refugee participants to raise awareness about healthy eating and food safety. The event was led by a professional nutritionist who provided an in-depth briefing on the principles of proper nutrition, emphasizing the importance of a balanced diet for overall health and well-being. The nutritionist also discussed food security practices, outlining ways to ensure access to clean, safe, and nutritious food. The session aimed to empower participants with knowledge on how to make healthier food choices, reduce food waste, and store food safely to avoid contamination.

A key highlight of the event was a cultural exchange where participants, many of whom are part of RET’s Turkish Language Courses, brought traditional dishes from their respective cultures. Each participant explained how their dish was prepared, doing so in Turkish, which provided them with an opportunity to practice their language skills in a practical setting. Besides, allowing participants to learn about different cultures, this session fostered a sense of community and belonging. The event reinforced the idea that food can be a powerful tool for bringing people together, promoting social cohesion, and encouraging healthier, safer eating habits across diverse communities.

Above: Events in Kayseri. Photos by RET

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Samsun: Empowering Women Through Food Safety Training

RET International’s team in Samsun organized a training session specifically designed for local and refugee women, focusing on crucial aspects of food hygiene and safe storage practices. The session was structured to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical skills that participants could easily implement in their daily lives.

The training began with an introduction to the importance of food hygiene, highlighting the risks of improper food handling and how it can lead to foodborne illnesses. Participants were taught the best practices for cleaning, preparing, and storing food to prevent contamination. The session emphasized key safety measures such as maintaining proper temperatures for food storage, the importance of separating raw and cooked foods, and the correct handling of perishables.

A presentation followed, where participants learned how to make yogurt and cheese at home. It was supplemented by detailed explanatory videos, offering step-by-step guidance on the fermentation process, the safe handling of dairy products, and tips on preserving homemade food.

Above: Events in Samsun (left) and Aksaray (right). Photos by RET

Aksaray: Focusing on Healthy Nutrition and Food Sustainability

RET’s Aksaray Community Center celebrated World Food Day with two distinct activities aimed at promoting healthy living and fostering community engagement among both local and refugee participants. The first event, specifically designed for children, featured an animated educational session focused on the importance of healthy eating, personal hygiene, and the nutritional benefits of various fruits. The session used colorful animations and simple, engaging content to capture the children’s attention, ensuring they absorbed key messages about how good nutrition and proper hygiene practices contribute to their overall health and well-being.

Following the animated session, the children participated in interactive discussions where they shared their favorite fruits and discussed how different types of food can positively affect their bodies. Facilitators guided the conversation by explaining the specific health benefits of common fruits like apples, bananas, and oranges, linking these lessons to daily habits.

The second activity was a hands-on pickle-making workshop organized for local and refugee women. This workshop was designed not only to teach practical skills in sustainable food preservation but also to create a space where women from different backgrounds could connect and learn from one another. During the workshop, participants were guided through the process of making pickles using leftover vegetables, emphasizing how preserving food in this way can reduce waste and extend the life of perishable goods. The workshop facilitators also provided tips on proper storage techniques to ensure that the pickled foods would remain safe and nutritious for extended periods.

Beyond the technical knowledge, the workshop served as a platform for social bonding. As the women worked together, they shared their own cultural approaches to food preservation, exchanging stories and experiences. By engaging in these shared activities, participants were able to bridge cultural divides and create meaningful connections, reinforcing the broader goal of fostering social cohesion between local and refugee communities.

At RET International, we believe that food is more than just sustenance – it is a tool for building bridges, fostering understanding, and empowering communities.

To help us continue this critical work in Türkiye and around the world, make a donation to RET today.