Young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in Newtownards will play their part in tackling local food poverty with help from energy provider Power NI.
Awarded to the Food Poverty Project through Power NI’s Brighter Communities initiative, the money will cover the cost of essential resources, including equipment, seed and soil.
Delivered by volunteers in a supportive and practical learning environment, the charity will create meaningful opportunities for students to develop fresh skills, gain hands-on experience and build confidence by being actively involved across the growing process.
What is more, the vegetables that they cultivate will then be transformed by culinary arts students into nutritious frozen meals for individuals and families who rely on food banks.
Paul Mercer, the Principal Lecturer and Commercial Hospitality Manager at School of Business, Health and Hospitality, said: “We are all incredibly grateful to Power NI for supporting this project. Their funding is helping us create opportunities for young people with SEND, to develop valuable life and employability skills while also making a genuine difference within their community. This initiative demonstrates the positive impact that can be achieved when education, inclusion, and community support all come together.”
By bringing together horticulture and culinary arts, the initiative offers a unique cross-disciplinary learning experience that mirrors real workplace environments. Students will also get to learn about the value of teamwork, responsibility and community involvement while making a direct – and positive – contribution to Newtownards and the local area.
The project not only provides practical training and personal development opportunities for participants but will also help supply healthy meals society’s most vulnerable people.
Through Power NI’s funding, potential will be transformed into impact, creating lasting benefits for the young people involved and those who will benefit from the meals they make, said Ashleigh O’Neill, Power NI’s Senior Marketing & Communications Executive.
“We are delighted to support this inspiring project through our Brighter Communities programme,” said Ashleigh, “because not only will it help those young people with SEND develop valuable skills and confidence, it will also provide practical support to people in the community who need it most. It is a fantastic example of how partnership working can create opportunities, promote inclusion and deliver lasting benefits,” she continued.
Power NI’s Brighter Communities programme supports community organisations right across Northern Ireland that are doing their bit to improve wellbeing, strengthen local connections, and helping communities to thrive.
