Ten Northern Ireland community projects cash in as part of all-island healthy eating initiative – The Irish News

Ten community-based organisations in the north are to benefit from a share of £1.26 million in funding from Safefood to support 28 food and nutrition projects in low-income communities across the island of Ireland.

Safefood’s 2025-2028 Community Food Initiatives Programme (www.safefood.net/community-food-initiatives) aims to positively influence the eating habits and overall health of people through practical, locally-delivered support.

Funded groups will lead a range of tailored activities, including food education, hands-on community cooking sessions and budgeting workshops designed to equip residents with the knowledge and skills to plan, shop for, and prepare healthier meals.

The programme will support each group to establish, manage, and sustain a local food initiative that promotes lasting behaviour change and strengthens community resilience around healthier eating.

The 10 Northern Ireland-funded projects are Greater Village Regeneration Trust in south Belfast; ARC Healthy Living Centre in Irvinestown; the Marion Centre of Excellence CIC in Newtownabbey; ReachOut in Antrim; Hope Magherafelt; the Old Library Trust in Creggan; Clanrye Group in Newry; the County Armagh Community Development (CACD) in Richhill; Loughshore Care Partnership in Craigavon; and the Rural Health Partnership.

Stormont health minister Mike Nesbitt said: “Our food environment has changed dramatically in recent years and we are tempted to eat more unhealthy foods at every turn.

“This has impacted on the health of our population across Northern Ireland and there is a real need to increase access to healthier food and empower people in low-income communities to make healthier food choices.

“I look forward to working with Safefood and their Community Food Initiatives to ensure that healthy eating is within the reach of everyone in every community.”