Gansu province launched several activities for the National Food Security Publicity Week on Oct 16, highlighting whole-grain consumption, food loss reduction, and technological innovation as part of efforts to strengthen food security and promote healthier diets.

The campaign aligns with World Food Day, which this year carries the theme of "Innovate today, nourish tomorrow".

"We must never let our guard down when it comes to food security," said Ma Wenjing, director of the Gansu Provincial Grain and Material Reserve Bureau, at the launch ceremony held at Gansu Agricultural University.

The campaign also highlights the potential of Gansu's whole-grain industry. The province's diverse climate supports a variety of specialty grains, including millet, oats, and highland barley. Efforts are being made to improve crop varieties, storage and preservation technologies, and processing, helping turn local agricultural resources into higher-value products.

Exhibitions at the launch event showcased practices in grain cultivation, storage, and processing to educate students and visitors about the industry's development.

"The whole-grain industry can help reduce food loss and waste, improve nutrition and health, and increase farmers' incomes," said Ding Xiaoyang, vice-president of the university. Ding explained that the university has conducted research into the nutritional value of coarse grains, with some findings already applied in the industry.

Promoting food conservation among young people is another focus of the campaign. A youth volunteer service team was established at the launch ceremony to encourage students to avoid food waste, share knowledge about whole grains, and raise awareness of food security in local communities.

During the publicity week, schools across Gansu will organize campaigns encouraging students to finish their meals, while experts and local media will share information about whole-grain nutrition and practical ways to reduce food waste. Government agencies, businesses, and community organizations will also conduct activities to promote food conservation and healthier eating habits.

In recent years, Gansu has strengthened its food security system across production, procurement, storage, processing, and distribution. Its provincial, municipal, and county-level grain reserve system has gradually improved, with per capita grain reserves ranking among the country's highest. Emergency grain supply outlets now cover townships and communities across the province, according to local authorities.