World Porridge Day

Every year on October 10, World Porridge Day is observed to highlight the humble bowl of porridge—and more importantly, to raise awareness and funds so that children in impoverished regions can receive nutritious meals.

History of World Porridge Day

The concept of World Porridge Day was initiated by the Scottish charity Mary’s Meals in 2009 as part of a fundraising and awareness campaign. Mary’s Meals works in many developing countries, providing meals—often in the form of fortified porridge—to children in schools to help combat hunger and encourage attendance.

Closely tied to this day is the World Porridge Making Championship, held in Carrbridge in the Scottish Highlands. That competition has existed since 1994, awarding the winner with the “Golden Spurtle” for the best traditional porridge (oatmeal, water, salt) and also recognizing a “specialty” porridge with extra ingredients. Since 2009, the Championship and World Porridge Day have been linked, making the event both a culinary contest and a platform to shine a spotlight on child nutrition programs.

Why is World Porridge Day important?

We often take for granted that children can show up to school hungry, but for many around the world, access to just one nutritious meal a day can make a world of difference. World Porridge Day frames this simple, familiar food as a symbol of hope and sustenance. By connecting people everywhere to the idea that a modest bowl of porridge can be an anchor for education and growth, the day draws hearts and minds to the challenges of food insecurity and malnutrition.

It’s not just about charity in the abstract. It’s about dignity, continuity, and the idea that children should not have to choose between learning and eating. Each donation, each bowl shared or event organized, reminds us that the gap between abundance and scarcity is not inevitable—and that small acts of solidarity can ripple outward.

• It raises awareness about child hunger in regions with extreme poverty
• It supports Mary’s Meals and other programs providing school meals
• It connects communities globally through a simple, shared symbol—porridge
• It encourages conversations about nutrition, sustainability, and food justice
• It shows how everyday food traditions can play a role in social change

How to Celebrate World Porridge Day

You don’t need a grand gesture to take part in World Porridge Day—just a desire to turn a familiar food into a force for good. One easy way is to host a porridge breakfast at home or in your community, inviting friends or neighbors to enjoy a bowl and learn about Mary’s Meals or local food programs. You could even ask for small donations in exchange for “sponsoring a bowl,” with proceeds going to hunger‑relief projects.

Another idea is to bring porridge into your workplace or school—perhaps set up a “porridge bar” where people try different toppings, then pair it with simple information about why the day matters. Or you might simply share a recipe or photo on social media, explaining what World Porridge Day means to you—and invite others to join in. The key is combining the personal, warm ritual of cooking porridge with outward‑looking generosity and awareness.

• Eat a bowl of porridge and reflect on its role in global nutrition
• Host a small fundraiser or “porridge party” among friends
• Share your favorite porridge recipe on social media with a message
• Ask your local café or school to feature porridge that day with proceeds donated
• Volunteer or donate to organizations focused on school meals or food security

World Porridge Day Dates Table