PEACEPLUS Food Equality Initiative
About PEACEPLUS Food Equality Initiative
The Food Equality Initiative (FEI) is a countywide programme delivered by DLDC with €200,000 in PEACEPLUS funding, running from November 2025 to September 2027 as part of Donegal County Council’s €7.6 million Local Community Action Plan. It was created to directly address food poverty and the lack of access to sufficient, nutritious food for underrepresented and socially disadvantaged groups across County Donegal.
The initiative takes a collaborative, cross-sector approach, bringing together public bodies, community organisations, retailers, and Donegal’s 21 food banks to strengthen the food support network across the county. At its heart is a commitment to equality and inclusion, ensuring that people in the most vulnerable situations have access not just to food, but to the knowledge and skills to make the most of it.
Through a combination of cookery courses, showcase events, tailored training, and intergenerational sessions, the FEI goes beyond food provision to build confidence, foster social connections, and promote community engagement across generations and backgrounds.
What the Programme Offers
The Food Equality Initiative is designed to be practical, welcoming, and accessible to everyone. All activities take place in community settings, removing barriers to participation and creating spaces where people can learn, connect, and support one another.
At the centre of the programme are the Balance Healthy Affordable Cooking for All courses, six-week cookery programmes that give participants the skills and confidence to prepare simple, nutritious meals on a budget. Over the course of the initiative, 25 of these courses will reach more than 200 participants across County Donegal. Alongside these courses, the FEI delivers showcase events and tailored training for community organisations and food banks, as well as intergenerational cooking sessions that bring different age groups together to share skills, stories, and food.
For Individuals and Families
The Balance Healthy Affordable Cooking for All course is a free, six-week programme open to anyone who wants to build practical cooking skills, learn how to eat well on a budget, and connect with others in their community. Sessions are delivered in local community settings and are designed to be inclusive, relaxed, and non-judgmental. No prior cooking experience is needed. Contact our Food Equality Coordinator to find out when the next course is running in your area.
For Community Organisations and Food Banks
We work with community organisations, food banks, and public bodies across County Donegal to strengthen local food support networks and build capacity around food equality. This includes tailored training and showcase events designed to help organisations better serve the people they work with. If your organisation would like to get involved or find out how the FEI can support your work, get in touch with our team directly.
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