TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — To commemorate World Food Day (Oct. 16), Taiwan’s Agriculture and Food Agency (AFA) released statistics about overseas food aid, indicating the nation provided 22,000 tons of rice to 18 countries and regions this year.

The AFA quoted the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization‘s (FAO) food security report saying 713–757 million people in the world suffered from hunger in 2023. According to AFA, Taiwan's rice production has exceeded demand, enabling international humanitarian aid, per CNA.

World Food Day was created by the UN’s FAO in 1979 to combat hunger and food insecurity and to stop the use of hunger as a weapon for war. The annual event brings together NGOs and governments to raise awareness and assist the most needy.

According to AFA data, from 2002 to 2023, Taiwan provided 447,000 metric tons of rice to 45 countries. Aid has gone to Africa, Central and South America, and diplomatic allies encountering food shortages due to natural disasters or economic hardship.

So far in 2024, AFA has worked with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tzu Chi Foundation, World Vision, Good Neighbors Taiwan, and other NGOs to send rice to 18 countries and regions in need. AFA said all donated rice has met strict food safety and quality requirements.

AFA said donated rice is entrusted to a third-party agency to take samples and test for heavy metals, aflatoxin, and pesticide residues. Furthermore, food safety regulations are continually upgraded each year with a focus on improving quality.