On 31 August Visit Belfast, the city’s official destination management and marketing organisation, launched a new tourism initiative aimed at tackling food poverty in Belfast. The sustainable tourism-focused ‘Changing the Menu. For Good’ project will enlist venues, caterers, and event organisers to directly raise funds for local food banks, such as The People’s Kitchen. Event organisers will have a variety of methods to choose from that suits their event. The four primary options are:
- Donating the financial equivalent of a fourth course.
- Donating a proportion of catering costs incurred during an event.
- Rounding up delegate or catering fees.
- Donating directly.
According to Visit Belfast the scheme, which will run as a pilot into 2023, aims to increase the number of sustainable events, promote social impact and legacy within local communities, and add to the economic benefits tourism already generates. In the last five years, the need for food banks has increased by 128% according to the Trussell Trust, which manages 14 food banks across Belfast.
The role of events
The ‘Changing the Menu. For Good’ initiative is already supported by partners in the event industry; Hastings Hotels, Titanic Belfast, Hospitality Belfast/Yellow Door, Food NI, Conference Partners International, Crowne Plaza Belfast, Event-ful and Queen’s University Belfast. Visit Belfast CEO, Gerry Lennon, said: “Tourism has played a pivotal role in Belfast’s growth, vibrancy and economic wellbeing in recent years. By working collaboratively and creatively, Visit Belfast and our partners and stakeholders have identified targeted ways where the sector can continue to contribute positively to the city’s social well-being, and help tackle food poverty amid the cost-of-living crisis.” “This important initiative is part of our long-term commitment to deliver more sustainable events, drive regenerative tourism growth that leaves a lasting legacy which has our people and their needs at its heart.” Lennon explained that funds raised will be used for food parcels, hot food and drinks, homeless outreach, and for delivering emergency financial support to cover heating bills or essential supplies for those in need. Paul McCusker, founder of the charity The People’s Kitchen, commented: “We are currently dealing with and servicing unprecedented demand, with over 1,000 meals served and 500 food parcels provided in the city per week.” McCusker noted that the current cost-of-living crisis is resulting in increasing numbers of families and people with poor mental health in need of the charity’s services. “We need urgent action to continue our service, and I’d encourage all businesses and stakeholders holding events in the city to look at how they can get involved, any level of support will make a difference.” For the scheme, Visit Belfast is targeting business events, gala dinners, conferences booked in the city, and event organisers. Current participants include PHUSE EU Connect (The Global Healthcare Data Science Community), Business Travel Association, and The Northern Ireland Tourism Alliance.
