AQW 39095/22-27

Ms Sian Mulholland
Alliance Party
North Antrim

Tabled Date: 26/01/2026
Answered On Date: 12/03/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail (i) any currently live (a) policies; (b) strategies; (c) programmes; or (d) action plans, within their Department that have an explicit objective of tackling poverty; and (ii) the stated aim of each policy or programme.

Answer:

Our Department is currently delivering the following three projects under PEACEPLUS Local Authority Action Plans aimed at tackling poverty, and food poverty in particular.

Location	Project Title	AIM
Derry City and Strabane District Council	Food Poverty Project	This is a cross-community project aimed at meeting needs around Food Poverty by providing a safe, shared space for people impacted by food poverty (and poverty in general) to connect, talk, learn and share issues and concerns.
Donegal County Council*	Food Equality Initiative	This project aims to contribute to a better understanding of food inequality by delivering activities designed to help alleviate food poverty across the community. It will also establish a mechanism for discussing food inequality, representative of those most affected, including minority and less included communities.
Mid Ulster District Council	Anti-Poverty Programme	This Anti-Poverty Programme will deliver three sub-programmes focused on healthy eating and nutrition, holistic wraparound support and a multi-sports programme utilizing shared spaces with the area. Each sub-programme will be delivered annually over a three year period and is expected to engage approximately 975 people

*Donegal has been included as TEO is providing match funding for this project as a PEACEPLUS programme covers all of NI plus the 6 border counties.TEO also provides free period products through Libraries NI premises for anyone who needs them. While this support is not specifically targeted based on need, it is likely to benefit those experiencing poverty.