On Wednesday, 11th October 2023, Student Sustainability had the privilege of hosting Jackie Bonfield from Mid West Simon as part of our ongoing SDG Conversation Series. With a focus on Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG 2) - Zero Hunger, Jackie provided invaluable insights into the challenges and solutions related to addressing food insecurity within our communities.
As a representative of Mid West Simon, an organisation dedicated to supporting individuals and families facing homelessness or housing difficulties, Jackie shared firsthand experiences of working towards achieving zero hunger in the region. Mid West Simon's multifaceted approach, encompassing emergency accommodation, transitional housing, tenancy support, and advocacy, plays a crucial role in addressing the root causes of food insecurity and homelessness.
Throughout the session, Jackie highlighted the interconnectedness between housing stability and food access, underscoring the importance of addressing underlying social and economic factors to combat hunger effectively. By advocating for policy changes, community support systems, and sustainable interventions, Mid West Simon works towards creating a future where everyone has access to nutritious food and a place to call home.
The discussion on SDG 2 resonated deeply with participants, prompting meaningful conversations on the need for collective action to eradicate hunger and ensure food security for all. Jackie's insights served as a powerful reminder of the urgency of addressing food insecurity as a fundamental step towards achieving broader sustainable development goals.
The UL Student Sustainability Conversation Series invites exceptional individuals to speak to students in the University about their professional and personal experiences, centrally themed around a UN Sustainable Development Goal. We do this to showcase to students the fantastic real-life work that takes place around us in advancing economic, environmental, and/or social sustainability, while providing students with worldviews and perspectives that inspire and challenge perceptions around effective sustainable development. Find out more at www.ul.ie/sustainability.