The menu: Ethical edibles

Betimes, The Menu is inclined to think there are more food awards than actual foodstuffs, so great has their proliferation become in recent years, but The Irish Food Writers’ Guild Community Food Awards remain exceptional and above criticism in his eyes. 

Designed to recognise that food is more than just a matter for palate or pocket, it acknowledges those exceptional individuals or organisations who work with their communities through the medium of food in a manner that is ethically and socially responsible, recognising that it is a fundamental human right for all to access nutritious and sustainable fare.

The 2016 winner, announced earlier this week, is Irish Seed Savers Association, the Clare-based seed bank dedicated to preserving native trees, fruits and vegetables, as well as performing educational outreach work.