While living in the comforts of our cozy homes, worrying about things like whether our next meal would be Italian, Chinese, Continental or would we have to eat plain desi food -- how many of us think of those nine million or more Pakistanis who are deprived of food and don't even know when they will have their next meal, or what it will be. Those people who are grateful even to have stale bread and water as their meal.

Many international and local organisations are actively fighting against hunger and are striving to provide the malnourished part of our population with food. However, it's the youth of every nation which can truly bring the change. By instilling in them civic sense and a sense of responsibility, the youth can be driven to reach out and help those who need it. Food aid is one of the many ways that can help promote food security and one agency that is dedicated to the hunger crisis situation across the globe is the World Food Programme (WFP), which is the food aid arm of the United Nations.

One of the numerous ongoing projects of WFP is the 'Feed 1 More' campaign which is initiated by WFP in collaboration with Unilever Pakistan. The programme's innovative approach involves creating awareness at the basic level and feeding the under-privileged. School going children have been involved in this project and have been educated about the food crisis situation in Pakistan. Moreover, these children are asked to actively help the cause and are even awarded for their efforts.

Most parents tend to protect their children from any and all realities of life. This may not be the best thing to do as there is a big difference between protecting your child and raising an ignorant one. Yes, children do need to be protected but at the same time they also have the right to know what is happening out there and need to be more aware of their surroundings.

'Feed 1 More' is a programme that educates children at school level about the harsh realities that millions are facing across the country. Many students who participated in this pragramme were honoured 'Agents against Hunger' certificates for their remarkable efforts in accumulating significant funds for 'Feed 1 More' programme. According to Haya Lutfullah, a student of grade 11, she had never really thought about food insecurity in Pakistan and about the many Pakistanis who were silently suffering from starvation before participating in this programme. "On one level this knowledge was heartbreaking for me and on another level it was empowering. Learning of the food deprived and their limitations has made me more conscious of the situation and has propelled me to make others aware too. I was really glad to be a part of such a commendable project that made me act selflessly for a great cause and inspired me to lend a helping hand to mankind -- it felt good," says Haya.

Rehan Aladin, 14, said, "I was aware of the underprivileged but never had a way to reach them. 'Feed 1 More' campaign gave me the perfect opportunity to give back to my country. It makes me feel great that I helped give a needy child a meal. Now, even in my daily routine, I make it a point to try and carry packaged items like biscuits and chips to give to people who ask me for food. I strongly believe in the saying "We must become the change we want to see". If we all do our share, the day when not a single Pakistani goes to bed hungry, will not be far!"

It is heartening to know that the children of our nation are so conscientious and compassionate. These children are not only award winners, they are our future! Their kind souls and concerned outlook should be an inspiration to all of us. They acknowledge the fact that no matter how small the effort is, the change that follows is much larger. They have displayed true spirit of patriotism and are motivated to do more for different causes and vow not to shy away from their responsibilities.

Last but not the least, we all can make a difference just by doing some simple things. Note the following habits you can try formulating in order to conserve food.

* Don't fill your plate up to the brim and then throw away the leftovers -- you can always take more food if needed, so always begin with small helpings.

* If you do have leftovers, give them to the poor rather than binning it.

* Don't waste food, if you take a lunch box to school be sure to eat everything. You can always share your lunch with your classmates