Food Waste Heroes – Can You Make a Difference? 🌍♻️

Derry City and Strabane District Council, in partnership with the Northern Ireland Resources Network (NIRN), will invite local primary schools to take part in the NIRN Youth Speak Competition 2026/27.

Open to Key Stage 2 pupils (Years 5–7), the competition challenges young people to explore the issue of food waste, understand its environmental impact and develop practical ideas to prevent and reduce food waste in their schools, homes and local communities.

Pupils will research the importance of making the most of food, consider the resources wasted when food is thrown away and explore existing local initiatives and opportunities to make a positive difference. They will present their ideas through a 3–5 minute speech, either individually or in small groups.

The Council will organise and host a local competition heat, with the winning entry or entries progressing to represent the district at the Northern Ireland Grand Final.

The action aims to raise awareness of food waste prevention, empower young people to become environmental advocates and encourage positive behaviour change within schools, families and the wider community.