In 1981 and 1982 WFD initiatives around the world were carried out under the theme "Food Comes First". Since 1983, an annual theme has been chosen to provide a common focus for WFD activities.  Information and resources for some themes can be found on the FAO WFD website.

2008: The Challenge of Climate Change and Bioenergy

2007: The Right to Food

2006: Investing in Agriculture for Food Security

2005: Agriculture and Intercultural Dialogue

2004: Biodiversity for Food Security

2003: Working Together for an International Alliance Against Hunger

2002: Water: Source of Food Security

2001: Fight Hunger to Reduce Poverty

2000: A Millenium Free from Hunger

1999: Youth Against Hunger

1998: Women Feed the World

1997: Investing in Food Security

1996: Fighting Hunger and Malnutrition

1995: Food for All

1994: Water for Life

1993: Harvesting Nature's Diversity

1992: Food and Nutrition

1991: Trees for Life

1990: Food for the Future

1989: Food and the Environment

1988: Rural Youth

1987: Small Farmers

1986: Fishermen and Fishing Communities

1985: Rural Poverty

1984: Women in Agriculture

1983: Food Security

1981/1982: Food Comes First