Retailers and FoodCloud unite to launch first national food appeal
'Food for Ireland' is the first national food appeal in support of communities affected by Covid-19
Print8 September 2020
Four of Ireland’s leading retailers – Tesco, Aldi, Lidl and Eurospar – have come together to support a new food initiative by FoodCloud called ‘Food For Ireland’, to help meet the unprecedented demand on FoodCloud’s services from charities and communities across Ireland affected by Covid-19.
FoodCloud has experienced a doubling in demand for its food redistribution services in recent months. Between March and June this year, 968 tonnes of food, equating to 2.3 million meals, were distributed through retail partners and FoodCloud’s three hubs.
Impact of Covid-19
Research carried out among 121 of FoodCloud’s charity partners identified a 70% increase in demand for food as a result of Covid-19. The research found that there are three groups within society most affected by the gap in supply of food; those over 65 years of age (49%), single parents (36%) and people with mental health concerns (30%).
The research also established the cause of this surge in demand for food with the majority (77%) citing the impact of Covid-19 on household income and the financial pressure as a result of loss of income, 33% referenced the closure of schools and access to meals and snacks for kids, and 37% said it was a result of self-isolation with many of whom could afford food, but could not access it due to the ongoing restrictions.
“No-one should go hungry during the Covid-19 pandemic; however, the reality is there are hundreds and thousands of vulnerable families and people in communities across our Island who cannot get access to food,” said FoodCloud CEO Iseult Ward.
“We are now calling again on people of Ireland to work collectively for the greater good of society,” she said. “This initiative shows how business can be at the forefront of leading social change providing a lifeline to those who need food the most.”
“Food For Ireland is an initiative that we can all get behind, and a great example of collaboration in the retail sector that is in support of local communities,” said Eamonn Quinn, chair of The Food Waste Retail Action Group, which is supporting FoodCloud in facilitating the cross-retailer initiative.
National food appeal: 17-20 September
As part of the ‘Food For Ireland’ initiative, participating retailers will host a national food appeal in over 400 stores across Ireland from 17– 20 September in a bid to meet the target of 280,000 meals which is the immediate need. Across the four days, shoppers can donate much needed non-perishable food which will then be redistributed directly to charities across Ireland who have highlighted a shortage.
In addition to the in-store collections, all retailers have reached out to their supply chains to support FoodCloud access more food.
The food items that are needed most include: breakfast cereals, cooking sauces, hot drinks, rice and pasta, tinned soups and beans and tinned fruits including tomatoes. Once the food items have been collected from retailers nationwide, FoodCloud will work with over 320 volunteers over a four-week period to redistribute the goods to over 250 charities across Ireland who have highlighted a deficit in food supply.
For more information on the ‘Food For Ireland’ initiative, log onto www.foodcloud.ie
Related Articles
Tesco opens new Limerick store, creates 33 jobs →
Fans 0
Followers