School children mark World Food Day with symbolic harvest donation
16 October 2026
Children from Drumahoe Primary School have marked World Food Day with a visit to Acorn Farm where they handed over freshly harvested produce to local Social Supermarket providers
The children were joined by Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Grace Uí Niallais, to celebrate this year’s official theme of ‘Innovate today, nourish tomorrow’.
The theme aims to emphasise the importance of combining technological and environmental innovation, traditional agricultural knowledge and inclusive community solutions to build sustainable food systems for future generations.
The event highlighted the link between local sustainable food growing initiatives such as Acorn Farm and the wraparound services provided by local Social Supermarkets the Strabane Community Project’s Grassroots Supermarket and the Foyle Network Foundation.
Speaking at the Acorn Farm Gatelodge, Mayor Uí Niallais, praised the pupils for leading by example.
“World Food Day is a timely reminder of how important it is that we protect our environment while ensuring everyone in our district has access to nutritious and fresh food,” she said.
“Seeing the children from Drumahoe Primary School harvesting and donating produce directly to our local social supermarkets is truly inspiring.
“This year’s theme ‘Innovate today, nourish tomorrow’ perfectly demonstrates Acorn Farm’s ability to combine modern sustainable practices with hands on learning to build a resilient food ecosystem.
“By teaching our young people about where their food comes from and how to grow it sustainably, we are laying the foundations for a healthier, fairer future for everyone.”
Funded by the Department for Communities and delivered in partnership with Council, social supermarkets aim to provide dignified access to affordable and healthy food for individuals and families experiencing hardship across the council area.
The Acorn Farm project, situated in St Columb’s Park, serves as an urban agricultural hub funded through the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund and Council.
The hub facilitates research, climate action and community learning to allow groups to gain practical horticultural experience while directly supplying fresh produce to community food providers.
Speaking on behalf of local Social Supermarket providers, Ursula Doherty from Strabane Community Project added: “We are delighted to join forces with Council, the Foyle Network Foundation and our local schools to celebrate World Food Day.
“The food harvested today at Acorn Farm is a wonderful source of fresh, locally grown produce for the people who access our services.
“Social supermarkets offer dignified, wraparound support to help individuals and families through difficult times.
“Working alongside community growing projects like Acorn Farm allows us to nourish our community today while building a more sustainable food supply line for tomorrow.
“We are deeply grateful to the Department for Communities for their ongoing funding as well as our community partners and the young people who give their time to support our work.”
Karen Mullen from Foyle Network Foundation added:
“Today’s symbolic handover by the pupils of Drumahoe Primary School demonstrates the strength of community partnership across Derry and Strabane.
“We want to thank our funders, Council partners and even the schools involved in making our food ecosystem stronger and more inclusive.”
To find out more about Acorn Farm and local sustainable food initiatives visit www.acornfarmni.com.
For information on local social supermarket services and how to access cost-of-living support across the Council area visit www.derrystrabane.com/