Raymond C. Offenheiser, 10/16/12

President, Oxfam America

Instead of putting grain on barges and shipping them across the world, what if we could work with local farmers and buy fresh food in local markets and rush it into famine areas? It's about fixing broken policies, and also about things you and I can do.

Debra Eschmeyer, 10/16/12

Co-Founder and Director of Policy and Partnerships, FoodCorps

The reality is that if we want kids to be excited to find something healthier than fast food in their school cafeteria, we have to do more than change what's on the lunch tray.

Rocky Dawuni, 10/16/12

Musician; Social activist

Cooking kills people, to the shocking tune of 2 million each year. Just think about it -- the act of cooking, meant to nurture our families and us, is the fifth-biggest health risk in developing countries.

Marlo Thomas, 10/16/12

Award-winning actress, author, and activist

Do you want to know how to lose ten pounds in a hurry? How about the best way to combat seasonal affective disorder? Would you like to know a great new way to strengthen your abs or a recipe for mashed potatoes that cuts the calories dramatically? Of course, you would!

Rozanne Gold, 10/16/12

Chef and author

This pizza was sturdy yet chic, creamy yet tart, suave with a bit of a bite. A word of advice: The next time life hands you lemons? Make this.

Nan Dale, 10/16/12

CEO, Action Against Hunger | ACF International

It's a good thing you're reading this piece electronically, because if you had a hard copy chances are it'd now be accessorized by a coffee ring and crumbs from your breakfast. You might take a moment to feel extra appreciative of that spoonful of cereal as today is World Food Day.

Eva M. Clayton, 10/16/12

Fmr. Congresswoman and fmr. Assistant Director General of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization

Between now and 2050, the world faces two critical challenges. First we must feed a hungry planet, amid growing demand from a rising population. And secondly, we must do this while protecting our environment.

Kristi York Wooten, 10/16/12

Founder of SustenanceGroup.org, Music and Culture Critic, Women's Activist

You don't have to be a scientist, farmer, or charity CEO to make a difference in food security, sustainability and hunger reduction. Below are three examples of ways you can make a difference on October 16, World Food Day.

Pierre Ferrari, 10/16/12

President and CEO, Heifer International

Today Heifer International joins the FAO and others in observance of World Food Day. This year, the theme "Agricultural Cooperatives -- key to feeding the world" highlights the efforts of smallholder farmers who have united to end hunger.

Ellen Kanner, 10/15/12

Syndicated columnist, the Edgy Veggie

I remember school cafeteria food -- with a certain amount of horror -- but not actually eating it. What I remember was our lunch lady cashier, who was huge and mustached and who scared the bejesus out of me. Once, as I paid for lunch, I dropped a coin into my spaghetti.

Golriz Moeini, 10/15/12

Stylist. Blogger.

Historically, savory food and fashion was derived from the impeccable style Romans had in general -- and walking around this city makes you very hungry!

Marissa Bronfman, 10/15/12

Writer

I meet Lisa Ray at a quaint café in her neighborhood. We chat for nearly two hours, and she is full of life from start to finish; animated not only about what her future holds, but also the peripatetic past that has shaped the woman she is today.

Regina Varolli, 10/15/12

Author, '99 Things You Wish You Knew Before Going To Culinary School'

Pastry buff that I am, I was well pleased with what the peeps at StarChefs.com had in store at The International Chefs Congress.

Anne Maxfield, 10/15/12

Entrepreneur, Blogger at Accidental Locavore

You know this to be true: there can be too much of a good thing. But like most people, the Accidental Locavore occasionally needs to be hit over the head to drive this point home. Such was the case at the Wine & Food Festival's Meatball Madness event.

Elie Ayrouth, 10/15/12

Founding publisher of Foodbeast.com

If you use a straw to drink soda out of a can, chances are you're doing it all wrong.

Dave Murphy, 10/15/12

Founder, Food Democracy Now!

For the food movement, for the future of our planet and our democracy, there is no more important battle than to reclaim our rights from out of control corporations and the failure of government oversight.

Louise McCready Hart, 10/15/12

Food, fashion writer

Called the "world's most daring restaurant," Fäviken, located in northwestern Sweden, is run by chef Magnus Nilsson -- who has been described as "part Viking lumberjack and part Shaman."