Menu
16/12/2009
Leftover Food To Aid Homeless
The Council for the Homeless is targeting a new food-sharing scheme called 'Food for Thought' which aims to divert edible food destined for landfill and redistribute it among those in need, writes Carla Liébana.
The innovative plan proposes recycling leftover food from supermarkets to help the homeless.
With the support of the three Belfast's civic dignitaries - the Lord Mayor, Deputy Lord Mayor and High Sheriff - the establishment of a local version, Fare Share NI is now targeting the food industry to join in to meet social need and to provide a real environmental benefit.
This innovation would work with local food producers and retailers to meet social need and provide a real environmental benefit.
Lord Mayor Councillor Naomi Long (pictured with chef Stephen Jeffers) pledged her support to the initiative, and said: "The sad reality is that people in Belfast and beyond are going hungry while edible food is going to waste."
At the launch of the project, the celebrity chef Stephen Jeffers served a delicious lunch to show his support to the cause: chicken in a mushroom and white wine sauce.
He said: "It is important that we highlight the plight of homeless people at Christmas time when so many of us take a full tummy and a warm home for granted.
"The concept of putting this otherwise unwanted food to good use, feeding those who need it most, is fantastic. I wish this venture every success."
Alison Upton from the Council for Homeless in Northern Ireland explained this system had been a success in Great Britain so appealed to the food industry to support this local version.
She stated: "This is proof of how the redistribution of food can be achieved efficiently and effectively when the food industry works with the voluntary sector and is in turn supported by government at local and regional level.
"Now we are calling on the food industry to agree to work within a FareShare NI framework to supply food for redistribution and work with us to ensure that the same high standard in codes of practice employed by NI Food industry can be translated to the regional food sharing project," she said.
(CL/BMcC)
The innovative plan proposes recycling leftover food from supermarkets to help the homeless.
With the support of the three Belfast's civic dignitaries - the Lord Mayor, Deputy Lord Mayor and High Sheriff - the establishment of a local version, Fare Share NI is now targeting the food industry to join in to meet social need and to provide a real environmental benefit.
This innovation would work with local food producers and retailers to meet social need and provide a real environmental benefit.
Lord Mayor Councillor Naomi Long (pictured with chef Stephen Jeffers) pledged her support to the initiative, and said: "The sad reality is that people in Belfast and beyond are going hungry while edible food is going to waste."
At the launch of the project, the celebrity chef Stephen Jeffers served a delicious lunch to show his support to the cause: chicken in a mushroom and white wine sauce.
He said: "It is important that we highlight the plight of homeless people at Christmas time when so many of us take a full tummy and a warm home for granted.
"The concept of putting this otherwise unwanted food to good use, feeding those who need it most, is fantastic. I wish this venture every success."
Alison Upton from the Council for Homeless in Northern Ireland explained this system had been a success in Great Britain so appealed to the food industry to support this local version.
She stated: "This is proof of how the redistribution of food can be achieved efficiently and effectively when the food industry works with the voluntary sector and is in turn supported by government at local and regional level.
"Now we are calling on the food industry to agree to work within a FareShare NI framework to supply food for redistribution and work with us to ensure that the same high standard in codes of practice employed by NI Food industry can be translated to the regional food sharing project," she said.
(CL/BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
05 December 2022
Coca-Cola Initiative To Redistribute 143,000 Meals This Christmas
Coca-Cola has announced a new partnership with with FoodCloud and FareShare for Christmas 2022, which aims to redistribute over 143,000 meals across Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Coca-Cola Initiative To Redistribute 143,000 Meals This Christmas
Coca-Cola has announced a new partnership with with FoodCloud and FareShare for Christmas 2022, which aims to redistribute over 143,000 meals across Ireland and Northern Ireland.
24 March 2023
New Regional Food Programme Launched To Promote NI
A new Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme (NIRFP), which aims to help raise the profile of quality regional food, has been announced by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA). DAERA are inviting applications from not-for-profit groups & regional development agencies as well as registered charities.
New Regional Food Programme Launched To Promote NI
A new Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme (NIRFP), which aims to help raise the profile of quality regional food, has been announced by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA). DAERA are inviting applications from not-for-profit groups & regional development agencies as well as registered charities.
04 November 2019
Shock As Vehicle Rammed On Homeless Charity Building
A building operated by a homeless charity in Belfast has been damaged by a vehicle rammed through its front. Police are seeking witnesses to the incident at the Welcome Organisation on Townsend Street at roughly 12.45am this morning, Monday 04 November. The centre provides life-saving services to the homeless population in Belfast.
Shock As Vehicle Rammed On Homeless Charity Building
A building operated by a homeless charity in Belfast has been damaged by a vehicle rammed through its front. Police are seeking witnesses to the incident at the Welcome Organisation on Townsend Street at roughly 12.45am this morning, Monday 04 November. The centre provides life-saving services to the homeless population in Belfast.
13 December 2013
Dog Food Meat Found In Human Food Chain
A government report has revealed that meat meant for dog food is thought to have ended up in the human food chain. The discovery was made in an "industrial-scale" fraud carried out in the region.
Dog Food Meat Found In Human Food Chain
A government report has revealed that meat meant for dog food is thought to have ended up in the human food chain. The discovery was made in an "industrial-scale" fraud carried out in the region.
20 June 2011
Taste Of Ulster Gets Cash Boost
A £150,000 support package for several projects promoting the quality of local food - such as the successful Taste of Ulster scheme - has been announced by the Northern Ireland Agriculture Minister Michelle O'Neill. The Minister made the announcement today as she met with one of the beneficiaries of the funding support, Food NI.
Taste Of Ulster Gets Cash Boost
A £150,000 support package for several projects promoting the quality of local food - such as the successful Taste of Ulster scheme - has been announced by the Northern Ireland Agriculture Minister Michelle O'Neill. The Minister made the announcement today as she met with one of the beneficiaries of the funding support, Food NI.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
