Councils cook up exciting new '˜Wild About Food' project

Two local councils are going '˜Wild About Food' with a new project designed to celebrate locally sourced ingredients and products.
Pictured at the launch of 'Wild About Food' are Dermot Hughes, Cllr Thomas Hogg, Cllr Billy Ashe and Richard Wallace. INNT 20-500CONPictured at the launch of 'Wild About Food' are Dermot Hughes, Cllr Thomas Hogg, Cllr Billy Ashe and Richard Wallace. INNT 20-500CON
Pictured at the launch of 'Wild About Food' are Dermot Hughes, Cllr Thomas Hogg, Cllr Billy Ashe and Richard Wallace. INNT 20-500CON

The project - a Heritage Lottery funded partnership between Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council and Mid and East Antrim Borough Council - will see people invited to take part in a range of activities which make the most of local products.

‘Wild About Food’ was launched in the village of Ballynure on Monday, May 9 by the Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Thomas Hogg and the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Billy Ashe.

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Children from Woodburn Primary School in Carrickfergus and Ballynure Primary School joined in the fun with a foraging walk. Other attendees included representatives from Tourism NI, Heritage Lottery Fund, local councillors and community members.

Hanna McKibbin and Lucy McMinn. INNT 20-501CONHanna McKibbin and Lucy McMinn. INNT 20-501CON
Hanna McKibbin and Lucy McMinn. INNT 20-501CON

Councillor Ashe, commented: “This project is our contribution to the Northern Ireland Year of Food and Drink and we have incorporated many of the themes such as ‘Love Dairy’, ‘Bread and Baking’ and ‘Harvest’.

“So from wild garlic pesto to the apple harvest, from May through to October, a wide range of exciting food workshops will be provided throughout the two council areas.

“Furthermore, this project will act as a reminder of the importance of the natural world around us.”

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Councillor Hogg added: “With today’s reliance on supermarkets, and the assumption that any food can be purchased at any time of year, this project aims to remind people of the importance of local produce.

Hanna McKibbin and Lucy McMinn. INNT 20-501CONHanna McKibbin and Lucy McMinn. INNT 20-501CON
Hanna McKibbin and Lucy McMinn. INNT 20-501CON

“It highlights how to make the most of ingredients which have not incurred thousands of air miles and the associated carbon footprint.

“This is a perfect opportunity to celebrate the fantastic produce on our doorstep.”