Mullingar 4 All hosts International Potluck

An International Potluck was held in the Columb Barracks last week bringing together cuisines from all across the world and bridging communities through food.

The event was held by Mullingar 4 All, a community organisation dedicated to anti-racism and integration. That was the purpose of this potluck, integration.

The day saw people from the International Protection Applicants, Ukrainian Refugees and the local and International community residing in Mullingar and the surrounding areas and was kindly sponsored by the As Darragh Did Fund and Westmeath Integration.

According to Mullingar 4 All there was a variety of dishes stemming from different countries such as Nigeria, Romania, Ethiopia, USA, Ukraine, Mexico, Ireland, Japan and much more.

The star attraction dish of the day was Nigerian Egusi Stew, prepared on the day by a group of Nigerian International Protection Applicants.

Sponsorship allowed the organisation to provide all the ingredients needed to those taking part.

There are no cooking facilities for International Protection Applicants in the Columb Barracks accommodation, so this is the first time in 1-2 years that the guys got to cook their own traditional food.

A resident living in the direct provision centre said, “We truly appreciated this event, it helped us to integrate here while also reconnecting to home.

“I haven't eaten amala in almost two years and it means a lot.”

Music was provided by Kathryn Nea and the North Westmeath Ukrainian Community group were kind enough to allow for Mullingar 4 All to use their community hub and kitchen.

The group are planning on hosting another event like this one and are busy planning for National refugee week this June.