At the Mary Robinson Centre, we recognise that food waste and food insecurity are two sides of the same challenge. Our response is the Bia le Chéile programme, developed in partnership with FoodCloud. This initiative offers a practical solution that addresses both issues at once.
The idea is simple. Surplus food that remains safe and nutritious should not be discarded. It should be shared. We collect quality surplus food from within the local supply chain and redirect it to community members who can make use of it. We prevent unnecessary waste while making food more accessible to those who need it
This programme is made possible through the generous support of major retailers in Ballina. Their commitment allows us to maintain a reliable flow of surplus food that might otherwise be lost. We are grateful for their partnership and their belief that good food belongs on a plate, not in a bin.
Bia le Chéile is open to everyone without exception. There are no forms, no eligibility checks, and no cost involved. Community members are invited to visit the Mary Robinson Centre Monday through Friday from 11.00am to 3.00pm to collect food. You need only to come as a neighbour.
How we treat food is connected to how we treat the planet and one another. When we value our food, we value the land, water, and labour that produced it. When we share our food, we build trust and mutual support within our community.
We invite you to join us. Together, we can reduce waste, support local families, and build a more sustainable future. Visit us Monday to Friday, 11.00am to 3.00pm. No cost. No questions. Just community.
Building connections through participation and exchange.
Bía Le Chéile is grounded in the belief that meaningful change happens through shared understanding and active participation. Through gatherings, discussions and collaborative activities, it offers opportunities to engage with diverse voices and perspectives, fostering dialogue that is open, respectful and forward-looking.
The initiative supports the Centre’s wider mission by creating an environment where ideas can be explored collectively, and where learning becomes a shared experience rather than an individual one.
Connecting people, ideas and action.
Support the development of The Mary Robinson Centre — a place dedicated to human rights, equality, leadership and climate justice.
Your contribution helps preserve an extraordinary legacy and inspires future generations to take action for positive change.
