FoodCloud launch emergency food distribution appeal
Social enterprise foresees an unprecedented shift in the need for food across communities as a result of Covid-19
Print31 March 2020
FoodCloud, the social enterprise that redistributes surplus food to communities in need, has launched an emergency food and funding appeal to aid their charity partners in distributing food parcels.
At present, FoodCloud oversees the distribution of the equivalent of 160,000 meals every week. In light of the current situation, it expects to experience a shift in the need for food across communities.
The social enterprise is seeking food donations from the food business industry to make up food parcels that FoodCloud’s charity partners can deliver directly to people in need. It is also pursuing financial support to manage the increased operational warehouse costs and logistic costs of the additional services.
While demand for FoodCloud’s services has increased in recent weeks, so too has pressure on its resources as 40% of its community partners have closed due to reduced availability of volunteers. What’s more, it has seen a 50% decrease in surplus food donations from supermarkets as a result of stockpiling.
According to recent ESRI reports, 300,000 people could lose their jobs in the coming weeks, which could further increase the number of individuals and families who will need support.
The immediate response to the crisis was thanks to an existing partnership with AIB. Additionally, Aldi, ChangeX supported by Web Summit, and Kelloggs have pledged support to the appeal. Several other food partners have committed to additional regular food donations over the coming weeks.
“Our emergency response efforts will be in addition to our day-to-day activities and we are now appealing for food and funding support to meet the growing demand,” said Iseult Ward, CEO of FoodCloud.
“We are preparing to meet the additional demand for food parcels by establishing new strategic partnerships with community organisations that will support the ever-changing needs of individual communities across Ireland. Through these partnerships, we are accelerating our support of families whose children normally get free school meals, the elderly with underlying health conditions and those who need to self-isolate.”
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