Omagh Library is set to become a hub for a critical public health conversation this month as it prepares to host the “Appetite for Change” exhibition from November 10–17. As one of 10 locations selected across the island of Ireland, the library will serve as a focal point for exploring how the modern food environment—often saturated with heavily marketed, ultra-processed options—shapes the dietary habits of the public, particularly teenagers.
The exhibition, a joint initiative by Safefood, is designed to stimulate community dialogue about the external factors that influence personal food choices. It features a series of striking illustrations by award-winning artist Steve Doogan, which translate the findings of community-wide consultations into a visual narrative. By capturing local visions for a healthier future, the exhibition aims to move beyond individual dietary responsibility and highlight the systemic changes needed to create environments that make healthy eating easier.
Central to this initiative is an interactive, immersive workshop featuring a pioneering virtual reality (VR) project. Students from Drumragh Integrated College in Omagh will participate in a first-of-its-kind study developed by Safefood in collaboration with the Dublin City University (DCU) Institute of Business and Society.
By utilizing VR, researchers can place teenagers within a simulated supermarket environment, allowing them to observe how pricing, product placement, and promotional strategies impact decision-making. Professor Tim Hubbard, who is leading the DCU research team, explained that the technology offers a unique window into the subconscious cues that dictate consumer behavior. “Virtual reality gives us a unique opportunity to place young people inside a realistic food environment and explore how they respond to the choices and influences around them,” said Professor Hubbard. “It allows us to better understand how factors within the retail environment shape what people notice, remember, and how they respond.”
The data gathered from these workshops is expected to provide essential insights for future public health policy. Dr. Aileen McGloin, Lead for Nutrition at Safefood, emphasized that understanding the teenage perspective is vital, as their environment is uniquely influenced by peer groups, the digital landscape, and school dynamics. “Food-related ill health in both adults and children remains one of the greatest public health issues we face,” Dr. McGloin noted. “The food environment is recognized as one of the main causes of the global obesity problem.”
For the wider public, the “Appetite for Change” exhibition serves as an invitation to contribute to this national dialogue. Visitors to Omagh Library are encouraged to participate in an interactive survey, which gathers public sentiment on current food retail practices. This survey is also available to the general public through the Safefood website.
The partnership with Libraries Northern Ireland has been instrumental in reaching a diverse audience. Helen Poston, Services Development Manager at Libraries Northern Ireland, highlighted the institution’s role in facilitating such discussions. “Public libraries have an important role to play in connecting people with information, ideas, and conversations about the issues that affect their everyday lives,” she said.
As Safefood continues to advocate for a structural shift in how food is sold and marketed, the Omagh exhibition underscores the importance of public engagement. By combining art, cutting-edge technology, and community participation, the initiative seeks to build a comprehensive picture of what the public believes must change to foster a healthier, more supportive food environment for everyone.
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