Council Champions 'Right to Food Campaign' in Poster Competition

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Pete Byrne hosted a reception for the winners of ‘The Right to Food’ poster competition in the Downshire Civic Centre on Friday 21 June 2024.

The ‘Right to Food’ campaign is dedicated to raising awareness and advocating for every child's right to access nutritious meals to ensure food security for all children. It was agreed at a recent Council meeting to champion initiatives that support the ‘Right to Food’ campaign and the poster competition serves as a poignant reminder that no child should go without a healthy meal, particularly during their school day.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Pete Byrne said, “Ensuring that every child has access to nutritious meals is fundamental to their health, well-being, and ability to learn. Newry, Mourne and Down District Council recognises the significant challenges the cost-of-living crisis and food poverty present to families across our District. We are proud to support the ‘Right to Food’ campaign, joining cities like Belfast, Derry and Liverpool in becoming a ‘Right to Food’ campaign city.

Councillor Byrne continued, “It is a pleasure to meet and present prizes to the winners of the schools’ ‘Right to Food’ poster competition. I congratulate all the young people who took part and thank Eurospar for sponsoring the prizes. Through their art, these students have raised awareness of this vital campaign and highlighted the importance of ensuring everyone, irrespective of age, has access to food.

“Too often we hear of children going to school hungry, which affects their ability to reach their full potential academically. Universal free school meals are a vital pledge to tackle this issue and ensure every child has a healthy meal at school.”

The artwork from all the students who took part in the competition is now displayed in the reception area of the Downshire Civic Centre. Prize winners include Gill McFerran and Poppy Bagley from St Colmcille’s Primary School, Abbey Love, Eliza Oakes, Enya Nelson and Xavier Joseph from Our Lady and St Patrick’s Primary School and Katherine Napier from Downpatrick Primary School.