Hungry for Change: Social Exclusion, Food Poverty and Homelessness in Dublin

This study investigates the impact of poverty and social exclusion on the food, diet and nutrition of people out-of-home in Dublin. The research involved a food frequency survey carried out with 75 people out of home, qualitative interviews with 12 individuals as well as a self-completion questionnaire administered to 18 food service providers in Dublin city. One of the main findings from the study was that the extent and experience of food poverty among homeless people was not only conditioned by income inadequacy and other socio-economic and cultural determinants, but particularly, by access to accommodation, as well as the quality of that accommodation. The report makes a number of practice and policy recommendations to tackle food poverty and homelessness. The qualitative approaches to food poverty employed for use with this sample of people out-of-home aimed to deal in depth with issues around food consumption. Through drawing a sub-sample from those who participated in the survey research (a process of recapture), the authors sought to expand on the survey questionnaire information on food issues. The themes for the Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) emerged from the analysis of the survey questionnaires and 4 key thematic areas were selected. i) Access to cooking, preparation and storage facilities ii) Access, choice and constraints in food purchase and consumption iii) Access to information about healthy diet, food preparation and storage iv) Expectations, cultures, values and choice concerning eating The qualitative aspect of the research enquiry eventually generated one FGD and seven semi-structured interviews representing the views of a total of 12 persons all of whom had completed the initial survey questionnaire.This resource was contributed by The National Documentation Centre on Drug Use.

Obesity in an ageing society implications for health, physical function and health service utilisation.

Key Findings • Based on body mass index (BMI) measurements, 36% of Irish over 50s are obese and a further 43% are overweight. • Based on waist circumference measurements, 52% of Irish over 50s are ‘centrally obese’, i.e., with a ‘substantially increased’ waist circumference, while a further 25% have an ‘increased’ waist circumference. • Using BMI as an indicator of obesity, a higher proportion of men (38%) are obese than women (33%); however, using waist circumference as an indicator of obesity, a higher proportion of women (56%) have a ‘substantially increased’ waist circumference than men (48%). • The prevalence of obesity in Irish men over 50 is comparable with US men over 50 (while English rates are much lower).     .This resource was contributed by The National Documentation Centre on Drug Use.

Food Focus

he Food Focus Community Food Initiative promotes healthy eating through a variety of co-ordinated, strategic activities that offer people a way to engage in a positive approach to food. It is creating one community, one message about healthy eating and ensure the ability to achieve a healthy diet through building a variety of sustainable, engaging food activities. Food Focus is a set of community based structures dedicated to addressing the risk and instances of food poverty in the Knocknaheeny area and intends to act as a model for similar work across other RAPID/Health Area Zone areas on the North side of Cork. It offers participants the chance to grow their own food, sign up to the food charter, learn about budgeting and planning or volunteer. The Community Food Charter was developed by local people and other stakeholders supported by the Community Dietician and will reflect the kind of food experiences they want for themselves, their families, within projects and public outlets. They are currently developing a large community garden in Knocknaheeny. Contact Person Katherine Harford Phone +353 (0)21 4300135 Address HSE BuildingHarbourview RoadKnocknaheenyCork Email Katherine@nicheonline.ie Website http://www.nicheonline.ie/index.php?pageID=152

Food and Health Project Longford/Westmeath

The Food and Health Project offers practical healthy eating and lifestyle courses to groups cooking on a lower income. Courses offered include: C/O Athlone Community Taskforce Ball Alley Lane Athlone Westmeath HSE and community group Initiative Type Nutrition Education and Training Programmes Location Longford Westmeath Funding HSE and community group Partner Agencies HSE

Ballina Eat Wise Project

The Mayo North East Ballina Eat Wise project will proactively engage with disadvantaged communities, including migrant and Traveller groups, in Ballina to encourage and support people to make informed decisions regarding their diet and that of their families. The project aims to empower people with the resources, skills and knowledge to improve their physical and mental wellbeing through affordable healthy eating. A steering group comprising local stakeholders will be established to co-ordinate and inform the CFI’s work and to ensure it is fully addressing the needs of the target group. The CFI will begin by developing a training module to equip a group of peer researchers to carry out a needs analysis. The information gathered will inform the practical aspects of the project ensuring participation and a sense of ownership from the local community. Young people will be targeted through local schools and youth organisations. Training will be provided for both adults and young people in vegetable/fruit growing, nutrition, cooking, preventing food wastage, smart shopping and budgeting. Practical cookery demonstrations coupled with advice on healthy eating will take place in the target areas. The project will also engage with local supermarkets and takeaways to encourage the provision of healthy affordable options. Other options to increase the availability of healthy food in the target areas will be explored. Part of theCFI Programme 2013-2015 Initiative Type Nutrition Education and Training Programmes Location Mayo Target Groups Children (13-18 years) Families Partner Agencies safefood

Ballybeg Family Growing Project

Ballybeg Family Growing Project aims to engage families living in the Ballybeg estate to raise their awareness and knowledge of healthy eating by providing a practical skills-based education programme of growing and cooking, taking a developmental approach.     Part of theCFI Programme 2013-2015 Initiative Type Community Food Growing Projects Nutrition Education and Training Programmes Location Wicklow Target Groups Families Partner Agencies safefood

Wake Up, Shake Up Breakfast Club

The Wake Up, Shake Up club was first set up in February 2013. The aim of the club is to support working parents and offer an affordable alternative to local childcare options. It is also an opportunity to re-enforce school healthy eating guidelines and explore different food options with children.The club is run by staff members of Holywell Childcare. 33 children attend each morning. There is a charge of €1 per child per day to cover staff costs. A selection of cereals is served each morning along with toast, fruit and fruit juice. Children can take part in different activities after breakfast, such as crafts, games, and even yoga ! Part of theBreakfast Clubs Pilot Programme Initiative Type Breakfast Clubs Location Dublin Target Groups Children ( 4-12 years) Start 18th Feb 2013

Rise & Shine Breakfast Club

The Rise ‘n’ Shine club was set up in January 2013. The main aims of the club are to improve attendance, increase participation in class, and reinforce healthy eating policy in pupils. The club is run each morning by a group of volunteers which includes teachers, parents and 6th class children. The Home School Community Liaison Officer co-ordinates the club. On average, 20 – 25 girls attend each morning. A selection of cereals is served each morning along with toast and fruit juice. Different foods are served for special occasions, such as pancakes on Pancake Tuesday. This club is part of the Pilot Programme of Breakfast Clubs which is funded through Kellogg's Corporate Citizenship Fund. Part of theBreakfast Clubs Pilot Programme Initiative Type Breakfast Clubs Location Dublin 5 Target Groups Children ( 4-12 years) Funding This club is part of the Pilot Programme of Breakfast Clubs which is funded through Kellogg's Corporate Citizenship Fund. Start 13th Jan 2013

Food Garden Project

The Food Garden Project is unique in bringing these two community groups together to work towards enhancing the participants' understanding of nutrition, healthy eating and self-sufficiency through growing fruit and vegetables and developing cookery skills. The Food Garden Projectâ?Ts aim is to support participants to grow, prepare and cook a range of fruit and vegetables throughout the year. There is also an emphasis on transferring these skills to their home life. The aim of the Food Garden Project is to support very marginalised and vulnerable individuals to grow, prepare and cook a range of healthy organic fruit and vegetables throughout the year. There is an emphasis on transferring these skills to their home life. A support worker and a cookery instructor assist the participants in learning how to grow produce and prepare healthy meals using the food products harvested from their community garden.   Part of theDemonstration Programme 2010-2012 Initiative Type Community Food Growing Projects Nutrition Education and Training Programmes Location Louth Target Groups Homeless people People with physical sensory and intellectual disability

Limerick Seed to Plate

The aim of the project is to address an identified need in the community, promoting healthy eating and organic home-gardening practices. Building on the success of a pilot intergenerational project entitled "Through the Years", it became apparent that gardening related activities could be implemented and promoted on a larger scale, reaching the wider community, groups and classes. The project serves as a setting for community education and will be inclusive in helping reduce isolation by providing meeting places for all members of their local communities. Key people being targeted are older people, local families and residents, Limerick Youth Service, After School Clubs, the Garda Youth Diversion Project and the Family Resource Centre. The Limerick Seed to Plate works with gardeners whose primary focus is to develop the gardening projects further. There is a strong educational emphasis to the project and the learning is transferred to participants own homes and lifestyles. Southill has a community café and, where possible, food grown in their garden is showcased and cooked in the centre and café. The Community Food Initiative strengthens the existing healthy eating habits in the community and aims to result in increased long-term health benefits arising from a healthier lifestyle. Communities will benefit from the project which will create employment, build bridges between communities, promote social inclusion and provide a focus for the local areas. Part of theDemonstration Programme 2010-2012 Location Limerick Target Groups At risk youth Children ( 4-12 years) Children (0-4 years) Children (13-18 years) Families Lone parents Low income families Men Migrant, minority ethnic groups Older people Travellers Unemployed Women

Food for Life

The Bogside & Brandywell Health Forum (Healthy Living Centre) delivers a range of healthy eating programmes including demonstration and practical cooking activities as well as education based activities and information. Food for life brings together a range of community and statutory workers who are tasked with the improvement of health within the local community. They provide a range of programmes and activities that provide knowledge and practical skills in the preparation of a healthy diet. The target audience will be children, teenagers, families & older people from the target Neighbourhood Renewal area of Triax in Derry city. To keep building on existing work and development of best practiceTo strengthen links with groups tasked with improving the health of the community within the target areaTo help reduce instances of obesity in childrenTo help reduce nutrition-linked illnesses such as diabetesTo delivery various programmes throughout the community; offering training and advice on healthy eating and living Part of theDemonstration Programme 2010-2012 Initiative Type Nutrition Education and Training Programmes Location Derry/Londonderry

WTID Nutrition and Cooking Classes

In partnership with the VEC WTID has delivered Nutrition Level 5 FETAC to a group of 24 learners, 4 being members of the Travelling community.  This module was also delivered to 5 Childcare staff at WTIDs pre-school service. Staff of the Harmony Afterschool Service undertakes baking activities each week with the children. Group work has been facilitated with 16 men who were on a BTEI on salt, sugar, caffeine and fibre, as well as with a young girls group on food tasting of various fruits, cheeses and how to make healthy potato wedges and other healthy snacks. WTID as part of the local Traveller Interagency Group are writing a well-being manual to be used with community groups working with Travellers- Healthy Eating is a module of this manual. Plans are in place to run a First Instincts Men's Health programme which will run over an 8 week period with workshops, weigh ins and provision of a healthy breakfast on each morning. HSE West; FAS CE scheme; Involve: Senior Youth Worker; Department of Children and Youth Affairs: Childcare Service; Pobal Initiative Type Community Food Centres Nutrition Education and Training Programmes Location Galway Target Groups At risk youth Children ( 4-12 years) Children (0-4 years) Children (13-18 years) Families Lone parents Men Older people People with mental health difficulties Travellers Unemployed Women Funding HSE West; FAS CE scheme; Involve: Senior Youth Worker; Department of Children and Youth Affairs: Childcare Service; Pobal Partner Agencies Equal Ireland FÁS Galway County Council GCCCC GRD HSE Involve RAPID VEC Adult Education Service

Centre Food Services

The catering section, at present, offers the following: The Resource Centre accommodates classes in Healthy Eating. In the near future we hope to offer Cookery Classes in Healthy Eating, and low income meals: teaching adults and children the importance of a healthy-balanced diet which is within a low income budget; showing them how to cook these meals; supervising groups while they cook a selection of dishes which incorporate the low cost, balanced diet Initiative Type Community Food Centres Meals on Wheels Nutrition Education and Training Programmes Location Dublin 10

Dunmanway Grow it Cook it Eat it - Growing Together

Growing Together will develop a community garden on unused land to help local families and groups to grow, cook and eat fruit and vegetables. The project aims to engage members of Dunmanway community in sharing and learning skills (including intergenerational cooperation) to promote healthy eating and wellbeing and to provide opportunities for growing and using food together in a fun, sustainable and inclusive way. Watch this space! Part of theCFI Programme 2013-2015 Initiative Type Community Food Growing Projects Nutrition Education and Training Programmes Location Cork Partner Agencies safefood Website http://dunmanwayfrc.com/communityandoutreach/881/

Fettercairn Growing Community Roots

Fettercairn Growing Community Roots will deliver a range of programmes around exercise and healthy eating to improve, encourage and integrate the target schools into the wider local community through linkages with community based projects e.g. Fettercairn Community Garden. Part of theCFI Programme 2013-2015 Initiative Type Community Food Growing Projects Nutrition Education and Training Programmes Location Dublin 24 Partner Agencies safefood