Food poverty

Food poverty is the inability of individuals and households to secure an adequate and nutritious diet. It can affect those living on low incomes, with limited access to transport and poor cooking skills.

Co-ordinated approach to food poverty

There is a co-ordinated approach to addressing food poverty in Northern Ireland through the NI obesity strategy - ‘A Fitter Future for All’. Outcomes set through this aim to ensure local support, resources and facilities are available to those experiencing food poverty. The long-term outcomes work towards a greater proportion of adults eating a healthy diet.

In Northern Ireland, we support the Council for the Homeless in Northern Ireland, including the FareShare project in 2010 to support building capacity for the expansion of its activities. FareShare sources surplus food and drink, fit for purpose, from retailers and manufacturers throughout Ireland and redistributes this to local charities feeding hungry and vulnerable people in the community.

We have also carried out research on What is the cost of a healthy food basket in Northern Ireland in 2022? and Food Security in Northern Ireland. 

All-Island Food Poverty Network

We co-chair the All Island Food Poverty Network with safefood to provide a co-ordinated and strategic approach to tackling food poverty in Northern Ireland.

Members of the All Island Food Poverty Network include government departments and agencies, academia and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) who all have a shared goal to reduce food poverty in Ireland.