Charities alarmed at 'ever-growing' issue of food poverty across Donegal

Donegal charities say food poverty is a growing issue in the county and is causing  “a disproportionate amount of ill health”.

Access, affordability and availability of healthy food in rural areas have been identified as challenges by charities which say the situation is only going to get worse.

The problems facing groups dealing with food inequality were raised at the Food Equality Forum this week.

The event at the Regional Cultural Centre in Letterkenny on Wednesday was hosted by the HSE’s Slaintecare Healthy Communities Programme and Donegal Food Response Network.

The aim of the event was to share existing learning, identify models of good practice and develop a collaborative approach to addressing food inequality in Donegal.

With food inflation running at more than 16%, the event heard calls for policymakers and food retailers to listen to the voices on the ground. The need for support for community-based approaches was stressed along with joined-up social, environmental, and economic policies.

The event was attended by over 90 people from the community and voluntary sector, food producers, community gardens, food banks, the HSE, academia and the statutory sectors. 

Key presentations included an overview of policy and practice, models of good practice such as social supermarkets, food hubs, and food banks.  

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Those working in the area of food distribution called for urgent action in the area of supports.

Clear linkages were made between food inequality and health with families at risk of food poverty suffering a disproportionate amount of ill health.

The event identified the need to address transport issues, address food waste, and ensure a comprehensive approach, centred on human rights, and social and ecological justice. There was also a call for agencies to work together for population and planetary health.

Ann Marie Crosse of Slaintecare Healthy Communities said food inequalities are unfair and unjust but avoidable.

“We need to address the root causes. This requires a multi-faceted approach, involving food producers, retailers, emergency response, community development initiatives, state sectors and policymakers.”

Mary Coyle of Ionad Naomh Padraig said: “The collaborative approach works and it shows that finding solutions together will ensure that we get to the heart of the problem in our communities”. 

Patricia Lee of Inishowen Development Partnership said access to affordable nutritious food is a human right.

“Let’s make sure that every child in this county sits down to a healthy meal every day,” she said. 

Margaret Larkin, Donegal Local Development Company said: "Food poverty is a pressing and ever-growing issue in our county and one that the 17 community and voluntary groups that make up DLDC Donegal Food Response Network are dealing with on a daily basis”.