Nourish and Flourish

Schools play a key role in recognising poverty and the Goal of our project is to reduce food insecurity by providing food parcels to the families of students who may struggle to buy groceries. By providing proper nourishment students will have: Energy as food fuels the body for daily activities and functions. Improved concentration, memory, and energy levels. Improved academic outcomes. Reduced absenteeism from school. Reduced anxiety and stress. Improved mental wellbeing. Improved emotional wellbeing.

Our Social Issue

The CSO's publication "Ireland's UN SDGs – Goal 2 Zero Hunger 2024" includes data on food insecurity. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the prevalence of moderate or severe food insecurity in Ireland in 2021 was 5.4%. This would suggest that more than 1 in 20 of our friends sitting beside us in school are hungry. Barnardos and ALDI Ireland conducted research in 2024 on food insecurity, this report highlights a worsening trend in food insecurity among families with children. The study found there is a deepening impact of the cost-of-living crisis on vulnerable families and there is a growing reliance on borrowing money and utilising food banks to provide sufficient nutrition for children. Our social issue is child hunger.

Why We Chose It

We started investigating a project about poverty and we were really surprised to discover that teenagers in our community were experiencing hunger every day. We know how horrible it feels to be hungry because we were too busy and skipped a meal. We discussed about how it must feel to be hungry all the time and to worry about not having money to buy food. Learning that some of our friends do not have enough food at home made us quite upset. We found out that not getting proper food can affect schoolwork, sports, and other activities such as wanting

Our Goal

Our goal is to establish a food bank in our school. Our goal is to reduce hunger and increase the health and wellbeing of our friends and classmates by providing food parcels to families in our school community. Our project is innovative because: of our collaboration with a variety of partners supporting our project. we partner with our HSLO who knows which families need support reducing hunger experienced on a daily basis by providing weekly food parcels. students can be supported in confidence as the HSLO delivers the food parcels during the school day avoiding any stigma.

Our Innovative Action

We researched the causes and effects of poverty and existing solutions. We met with the HSLO to learn hunger is an issue for students in our school. We delivered presentations, held meetings and visited shops to secure funding and food items to establish our food bank. On a weekly basis: We collect donations from shops and buy food, ensuring a balance of nutrition, variety and affordability. We maintain a stocked food pantry and make food parcels. We manage the budget buying quality food and being economical. We place the parcels in the boot of the HSLO car every Thursday morning.

Our Impact

We help to alleviate hunger and the negative effects of hunger. Food parcels provide immediate relief giving people nutritious food preventing hunger. Families can use their limited money for other essentials like rent or healthcare. Knowing that a food parcel is coming may reduce stress and offer a little break from financial worry. Food parcels provide the nutrition needed to function and succeed in school. The volunteerism by our project team and community support from local organisations, fostering a culture of care and kindness. Positive relationships exist between school and the families as the HSLO visits these families every Thursday.