Year 14 NFS: ‘The Larder’ talk by Louise Ferguson

Louise Ferguson with members of Grosvenor’s Year 14 Nutrition and Foood Science A2 class.

On Thursday 30th January Grosvenor’s Year 14 Nutrition and Food Science class welcomed Louise Ferguson to talk about her work in ‘The Larder’ Food Bank, in East Belfast.

During Louise’s highly engaging talk, she outlined how The Larder first came about, the aim and ethos of the Food Bank, and explained the whole process behind running it; from getting the donations from local churches to how they distribute the food.

Louise emphasised the importance of ensuring that those involved in running the Food Bank protected the dignity of those using it, and how they aim to maintain as much choice for them as possible. Louise also gave examples of the situations that have resulted in people finding themselves in food poverty - often due to universal credit errors or problems with their benefits, redundancy, marriage break-ups or addictions.

Louise also took time to explain other programmes that The Larder is running now: the council-funded scheme to make packed lunches for pupils during holiday times, as this is often a difficult time for families as their children would usually get a free meal in school. In addition, The Larder is trialling a cookery course aimed at teaching some of those who use the Food Bank how to make nutritious yet inexpensive meals for themselves and their families, while it also links closely with debt management and housing agencies to provide additional advice and support.

Louise encouraged our pupils to challenge the stereotypes surrounding those using Food Banks and gave much food for thought in this whole area; many thanks to her for taking the time to come in and deliver such a highly-worthwhile talk, which will undoubtedly have a long-lasting impact on all present on the day.