ARC food project has ‘profound impact’ at Lady of the Lake

A food programme run by the ARC Healthy Living Centre is transforming lives across Irvinestown and beyond by helping individuals and families make healthier, more informed food choices.

The Community Food Initiative, supported by Safefood, combines long-term learning with public engagement and is already making a “profound impact,” according to Jenny Irvine, CEO of ARC.

Recently, the ARC team brought their healthy eating message to the Lady of the Lake Fair Day, where the public response was overwhelmingly positive. Hundreds of people visited the ARC stand to receive practical guidance and health checks in a fun, welcoming environment.

Jenny explained that the project is built on a unique delivery model designed to empower people at every stage.

“The delivery model involved a series of small projects run over time to build skill and knowledge,” she said.

“Alongside that, we host large community events such as the Fair Day, reaching large numbers of people with information and ideas for high nutritional value, low-cost food options.”

Jenny continued: “The beauty of the project is it was responsive to and shaped by what families said was most important to them,” Jenny added.

Reflecting on the success of the stand at the Fair Day, Jenny said: “We were delighted that hundreds of people visited our stand. We had registered nurses on site checking blood pressures and a registered dietitian giving information and practical tips to help people eat healthily.

“The sun shone all day and we had a fabulous day enjoying all the fun of the fair!”

The latest phase of the project builds on the learnings of previous years and reflects ARC’s continued commitment to wellbeing, empowerment, and inclusivity.

The Community Food Initiative is part of ARC’s wider mission to tackle health inequalities and improve wellbeing outcomes across the community.

To find out more about ARC Healthy Living Centre and its programmes, visit: www.archlc.com.