Charity food demand 'stable' ahead of Christmas
A Cork city food charity has got off to a flying start in its brand new premises.
Marking its first year in its new James Street facility, Cork Penny Dinners is reporting that while the number of those seeking the charity’s support remains high, it is stabilising.
The charity, which was located at Little Hanover Street for the last 75 years, moved to 13 James Street, near the courthouse, in late 2024.
Coinciding with this, the team has also brought into play a new data capture system which enables them to identify how many people are helped and how many are seeking support.
The charity, which started serving food 137 years ago, is now well positioned to meet demand with its new facilities, according to its General Manager Sharon Murphy, who was appointed to the role in March this year.
“We have seen an increase in the number of families seeking support from Cork Penny Dinners,” Ms Murphy confirmed.
She continued: “The cost of living crisis is hitting families, and we see that reflected in those reaching out now for support. In September and October alone, a total of 149 individuals requested help - with 17 of those families needing support for children. This is outside of our daily food service at the door.”
Cork Penny Dinners serves around 500 hot meals each day from 9am to 1pm with the support of up to ten volunteers. To meet such high demand and the impeccable food safety standards that come with it, the team welcomed Head Chef Jack Revell earlier this year who will make good use of the building’s larger kitchen with cold rooms.
“We also have a meeting space which serves as a hub for community support, workshops, and gatherings, or just a place where people can come together in safety, dignity, and respect,” said Ms Murphy.
Christmas Day
Currently, Cork Penny Dinners is preparing for its annual Christmas Day sit down meal, which will see over 15 volunteers greet and help feed and chat with around 300 service users.
The charity is now in the process of registering volunteers for the busy day and still needs five drivers to volunteer to help deliver meals and hampers for families and individuals across Cork.
Gary Heslin, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees at Cork Penny Dinners, said: “It’s important that anyone in need can access help, especially during the Christmas season and especially those who are not mobile or cannot make it into the centre here in the city.”