Food poverty in Cherry Orchard and Ballyfermot 5 times national average

A report launched today by the Liffey Partnership highlights the high level of food poverty that exists in Cherry Orchard and Ballyfermot.

The report, ‘Spinning Plates-Addressing Food Poverty in Cherry Orchard and Ballyfermot’, shows that food poverty in Cherry Orchard and Ballyfermot is five times the national average.

Sinn Féin councillor Daithí Doolan, who attended the launch “this groundbreaking report represents the first food poverty needs assessment conducted in Cherry Orchard and Ballyfermot.”

“Cherry Orchard and Ballyfermot were one of 19 areas identified by the Department of Health in which health and wellbeing risk factors are particularly concentrated, linked to high levels of socio-economic deprivation.”

Doolan said the findings are “shocking” with 43% of those surveyed in Ballyfermot and Cherry Orchard saying they are living in food poverty, which is five times above the national average.

“This means that 2 out of every 5 people cannot afford a proper meal every second day, or missed a meal in the last two weeks due to a lack of money. It is shocking and unacceptable that in an economy as wealthy as ours, people can not afford to eat properly,” Doolan said.

“Food poverty does not just affect your stomach. It also effects your brain, your heart and your mind. Poor diet will have a hugely negative impact on quality of life issues. Employment, education and exercise will no longer be a priority in your day-to-day life.”

“This report clearly highlights the need for radical change. Food poverty is not about passive victims. It is about an unjust system. It can no longer be acceptable for whole communities to be living in food poverty. Things must and can change.”

Dookan said that a food poverty alliance should be established, which in turn should develop a food poverty action plan for the affected areas.

“It must be a multi-agency group committing to work together to address affordability, accessibility and availability of food in Dublin 10,” he said.

“Food poverty is an indication of a wider range of poverty issues. It does not affect every community the same. It is always the same post codes that face the challenges of fuel poverty, food poverty, lack of access to decent health care and mental heath care services.

“Today’s report must sound as a wake-up call to this government. It should be essential reading for all government ministers. I would strongly advocate for this food poverty task force be immediately established here in Ballyfermot and Cherry Orchard.”