When we invited you to tell us the true story of food in Cork for our first ever Cork Food Policy Council Photography competition, you responded with photos that portrayed thoughtfulness, creativity, and ingenuity that far exceeded our expectations.

On the evening of Friday, March 9th, 2018, a great turnout comprised of members of CFPC and residents of County Cork gathered in Cork City Library to view the entries and celebrate the winners of the competition. The impressive collection of photos covers a broad assortment of subject matters, a testament to the strength and variety of Cork’s food system.

We asked you to think about three questions, “Food – Where does it come from?”, “What’s Cork eating? or What’s eating Cork?”, and “What could a sustainable food system look like?”, and to submit your photos into one of three categories: Food and Health, Cork Food, or Community. The content of your photos clearly depicts what you value: cooking, gardening, local producers and suppliers, natural resources, and sharing food with family. An appreciation for each is essential in our journey to make Cork’s food system healthier, more fair, and more sustainable.

The exhibition launch wouldn’t have been half as fun without the support of our friends and contributors. We were treated to delicious drinks and microgreens generously provided by Rocket Man and Green Space. Renowned Cork food blogger, Billy Lyons, graciously attended to hand out awards to the six prize-winning entries. Read his take on the evening here. Monika Coghlan of Pepperazzi took fantastic photos during the evening and donated one of her beautiful photos as a prize. The celebrated photographer, Giles Norman, also donated a stunning photograph as a prize. The remaining enviable prizes were vouchers kindly donated by Cork City Council — for use in The English Market — O’Leary’s Camera World, and Orso Kitchen & Bar. Finally, we greatly appreciate Cork City Library for the use of the space to showcase the exhibition.

If you weren’t able to join us for the launch, it’s well worth your time to visit the exhibition, which will be on display in Cork City Library through March 26th, 2018, and view the story of Cork food told through photos.

All the photos from the exhibition launch were taken by Monika Coghlan of Pepperazzi.