FAO World Food Day Poster Contest 2026 [Free; Ages 5

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is inviting children and young people worldwide to participate in the World Food Day Poster Contest 2026.

Participants must create an original poster on the theme “Innovate today. Nourish tomorrow.” The artwork should show how innovation can help feed the world, protect the planet and create a better food future.

Participation is free. Shortlisted participants will receive certificates, while winners will receive Certificates of Recognition and surprise gift bags.

Deadline: November 6, 2026, at 4:30 PM IST

Submit your poster through the official FAO entry form.

FAO World Food Day Poster Contest 2026: Highlights

Organiser: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Eligibility: Participants aged 5–19 worldwide
Theme: Innovate today. Nourish tomorrow.
Entry fee: Free
Age groups: 5–8, 9–12, 13–15 and 16–19
Entries allowed: One per participant
File format: JPG/JPEG
Maximum file size: 2 MB
AI-generated artwork: Not allowed
Shortlisted entries: 60
Prizes: Certificates, FAO promotion and surprise gift bags
Deadline: November 6, 2026

About the Contest

The contest encourages young people to imagine how science, technology, traditional knowledge and creative ideas can improve agriculture and food systems.

Posters may show solutions for growing food, reducing hunger, protecting nature, supporting communities or making food systems more sustainable.

Eligibility and Age Categories

Children and young people aged 5–19 living anywhere in the world can participate.

The categories are:

5–8 years
9–12 years
13–15 years
16–19 years

The participant’s age on the submission date will determine the category. Minors must have permission from a parent or legal guardian.

Prizes

FAO will shortlist 15 entries from each age category—a total of 60 posters. Shortlisted participants will be notified in December 2026 and receive certificates.

Three winners will be selected in each category. Winners will receive:

Certificate of Recognition
Surprise gift bag
Publication on the World Food Day website
Promotion through FAO’s social-media channels and offices worldwide

No cash prize has been announced.

Poster Requirements

Participants may submit handmade or digital artwork. Accepted techniques include drawing, painting, sketching, mixed media, pencils, crayons, charcoal, watercolours, acrylics and digital art.

Important rules:

Submit only one original poster.
Do not use generative AI to create the artwork.
AI may be used only for ideation or editing and must be disclosed.
Photographs are not accepted as poster entries.
Do not include logos or personal information in the artwork.
Text is optional and must not exceed 25 words or 100 characters.
Submit the final artwork as a JPG/JPEG file of up to 2 MB.
Physical posters should not be posted to FAO.

The upload form technically accepts some additional image formats, but FAO’s main contest rules specify JPEG. Using JPG/JPEG is therefore the safest option.