To foster careers in food and agriculture, promote innovation in sustainability, increase local biodiversity, and support communities, we provide financial and resource assistance to local community groups charities, and not-for-profits. This support is reinforced with volunteer hours by employees and in-kind donations.
Each year a company-wide calendar of events is arranged by our Community Engagement leads and sites will support and fundraise for a select number of these events.
In tandem with the Community Engagement Leads, each site has a Community and Charity Champion, who is responsible for coordinating activities at a local level, encouraging team members to participate in initiatives, and having a positive impact on local biodiversity and communities.
Sponsor education and science to encourage innovation in sustainability – Have a positive impact on the communities where we operate, source from and where our employees live
The Great Agri-Food Debate, organised by Dawn Meats and co-sponsored by McDonald’s, encourages the next generation of agri-food talent to engage with the major issues shaping agriculture, food and sustainability. In its 10th year, the competition brought together seven teams from colleges and universities across Ireland and the UK to debate topical sector challenges, including AI, education, renewable energy and sustainable productivity.
The 2026 Grand Final, held at SETU Arena, saw UCC named winners after proposing that artificial intelligence can help farms improve productivity sustainably and should be adopted as national policy. By providing students with a platform to develop research, communication and leadership skills, the debate strengthens industry links with education and helps inspire future agri-food leaders.
In 2025, Dunbia became the first official community partner of the Scarlets Community Foundation, helping to extend the reach of the Foundation’s programmes which already engage around 40,000 people each year across West Wales. Through grassroots rugby, school-based activity, wellbeing initiatives and inclusion projects, the partnership is creating more opportunities for young people and underrepresented groups to get active, build confidence and develop life skills.
This partnership shows how focused community investment can create meaningful social value beyond the business.
By supporting the Foundation, Dunbia is helping to increase participation, encourage healthier lifestyles and bring people together. It also underlines our commitment to the communities where our people live and work, ensuring sustainability is reflected not only in environmental progress, but also in lasting benefits for local people.
Nightsafe Patrons work with young people who are currently homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, providing them with accommodation, information centres, and guidance. Our relationship with Nightsafe began with a donation of beef joints for the charity’s Christmas celebrations many years ago, and it has flourished since then. We supported a young person referred to us by Nightsafe Patrons by providing employment opportunities as well as workplace skills and training.
Agricultural Development in South Sudan
Concern Worldwide is an international humanitarian organisation that strives to create a world free from poverty, fear and oppression. With our ongoing investment and support, Concern has delivered the Building Sustainable Livelihoods in Aweil North project in Northern Bahr el Ghazal (NBeG), South Sudan.
South Sudan continues to face significant humanitarian challenges driven by conflict, economic instability and climate-related shocks. The ongoing conflict in neighbouring Sudan has increased the number of refugees crossing into Northern Bahr el Ghazal, placing additional pressure on already limited resources. Recurring flooding, unpredictable rainfall and prolonged dry spells also make farming increasingly difficult, contributing to high levels of food insecurity within rural communities.
The project focused on improving agricultural productivity, strengthening climate change adaptation and promoting sustainable farming practices among rural households vulnerable to food insecurity. In partnership with the State Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Environment, 75 female farmers received support to develop agricultural and horticultural skills and improve their resilience to climate-related challenges.
Participants received training in climate-smart agriculture, including improved land management practices, the introduction of flood-tolerant and early-maturing crop varieties, and the expansion of dry-season vegetable production. Farmers were also supported to improve their financial resilience through Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), savings schemes and business skills training.
As a result of the programme:
- 372 community members were reached.
- 62 female farmers received specialised training in rice cultivation with government support.
- 3 women-led producer groups and three community gardens were established, improving access to affordable vegetables within the community.
- Increased cultivated land and improved yields year-round
- Enhanced economic empowerment and independence