World Food Day, led by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), provides an annual opportunity to reflect on the challenges of hunger, nutrition, food security, and the future of agrifood systems. Under the 2026 theme, “Innovate Today to Nourish Tomorrow,” this year’s observance highlights the importance of bringing together innovation, knowledge, and inclusive approaches to build more sustainable agrifood systems and improve access to sufficient, diverse, safe, and nutritious food.
To mark the occasion, Zamorano University hosted a day of academic discussions and interactive activities, bringing together students, faculty, professionals, and representatives from organizations working in food and nutrition. The event provided an opportunity to exchange knowledge, explore new perspectives, and identify solutions to some of today’s most pressing agrifood challenges.
The program featured keynote presentations and a panel discussion on innovation and nutrition, with invited experts addressing topics such as public policy and nutrition, locally sourced foods, disease prevention, and innovation across food systems.
A highlight of the event was a student agrifood innovation challenge featuring undergraduate and graduate students from three Honduran universities: Universidad Tecnológica Centroamericana (UNITEC), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras (UNAH), and Zamorano University. The proposals explored solutions to challenges involving school nutrition programs, food preservation, and community-based agrifood systems.
First place went to Sergio Aníbal Quiñones Silva from UNITEC for a project evaluating a school meal program in rural communities in Olancho. Ángela Ibeth Velásquez Estrada from UNAH earned second place for developing an edible coating designed to extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. Third place was awarded to Daniel Flores, a second-year student at Zamorano University, for Cosechas Compartidas (Shared Harvests), a project focused on promoting community-based food exchange and fair marketing opportunities for surplus agricultural products in rural communities in Choluteca and Valle.
The event also marked the signing of a cooperation agreement between Zamorano University and the Honduran College of Nutritionists, strengthening their shared commitment to advancing nutrition, food systems, and food security.
Through this partnership, both institutions will explore opportunities for continuing education programs, student internships, research and outreach projects, and academic, scientific, and technical initiatives that encourage knowledge exchange among nutrition professionals, researchers, faculty, and students. The agreement also seeks to foster agrifood innovation and entrepreneurship while contributing scientific expertise and technical knowledge to initiatives and strategies aimed at improving nutrition and food security in Honduras.
The celebration concluded with a community picnic, offering participants an opportunity to connect, share experiences, and strengthen relationships beyond the day’s academic activities.
Through initiatives like this, Zamorano University reaffirms its commitment to education, research, innovation, and strategic partnerships that help transform agrifood systems and contribute to a more sustainable, inclusive, and food-secure future for Honduras and the region.
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