Councillor says just two food banks are helping 1,000 households
At the October full meeting of Belfast City Council, an SDLP motion concerning the Right to Food campaign was unanimously passed.
Councillor McCusker, who runs the community organisation Foodstock in West Belfast, told the chamber: “I believe poverty is not inevitable. It is a political choice, and I am asking members of the council to recognise that access to food should be a basic human right for all, and that we shall continue to respond to the hunger that sadly exists in our communities, while continuing to tackle this issue head on.
He said: “Organisations are increasingly facilitating Breakfast Clubs across our city, where children are being identified as coming into school as hungry, and with that putting obstacles in front of their right to a proper education. It is the likes of despicable cuts to holiday hunger payments which has worsened the situation and added pressure onto parents.
“I have met with far too many asylum seekers and refugee families, who are now very much part of our communities who are failing to live with a culture of appropriate food, or healthy food for both them and their children. And I have sadly talked to school teachers who are hiding food in their store rooms to cater for hungry children.
Danmark Seneste Nyt, Danmark Overskrifter
Similar News:Du kan også læse nyheder, der ligner denne, som vi har indsamlet fra andre nyhedskilder.
Belfast City Council's new tree strategy aims to tackle climate targetsTree cover in the city has increased since the 1990s, but more must happen to meet climate targets.
Læs mere »
Belfast residents report 'deafening roar' as RAF Typhoon flies over cityOne eyewitness reported a 'hissing noise' before their 'house shook'
Læs mere »
Royal Belfast Academical Institution plans major redevelopment of city centre campusThe plans would see RBAI replace 'not fit for purpose' school infrastructure with new classrooms and a 25m swimming pool.
Læs mere »
Belfast City Council criticised over request for £100,000 light bulb spendBelfast City Council has been criticised for asking elected representatives to approve spending £100,000 over four years on light bulbs for City Hall.
Læs mere »
Belfast Council push to curb pavement parking across the cityA campaign would spell out regulations on pavement parking, which blights residential areas across the city.
Læs mere »
Man gets trapped behind shutters of Belfast City Centre shopSarah Grimes said she was shocked that the man ended up trapped behind the shutters
Læs mere »