Growers’ project relaunched
A renewed focus on tackling food waste and food insecurity in communities across Cork and Limerick was launched yesterday, Wednesday.
The Ballyhoura Growers’ Project relaunched East Limerick and North Cork which aims to bring fresh, surplus vegetables from Irish farms to local charities and community organisations across the Ballyhoura region.
This impactful initiative is a collaboration between FoodCloud and Ballyhoura Development CLG, supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and driven by the commitment of vegetable growers from across Ireland. By connecting surplus fresh produce directly from Irish farms to community organisations and charities, the project ensures that nutritious vegetables make it from field to table.
John Scanlan, Project Coordinator at Ballyhoura Development CLG said: “We are proud to see how this project is growing. We’ve seen even greater results in 2025 so far, and with the new harvest season, we’re ready to support more organisations and have a greater impact.”
Since its beginning, the project has directly improved food access for vulnerable groups in East Limerick and North Cork, with weekly distribution managed by Ballyhoura Development CLG and supported by the Ballyhoura Development Rural Social Scheme.
The project provides fresh, locally grown root vegetables free of charge to charitable organisations that serve food as part of their community services. Its dual goals are to reduce food waste and lower food costs for service providers, while ensuring healthy, sustainable food reaches those most in need.
Following its 3 September relaunch, the Ballyhoura Growers’ Project is inviting more organisations to join.
Eligible organisations must have charitable status, use or distribute fresh vegetables as part of their services and operate from a food-grade facility or distribution hub.
The project, which paused temporarily during the summer months, resumed with the new season’s harvest this month.
If your organisation, or one in your area, would benefit from participating, contact John Scanlan at jscanlan@ballyhoura.org.