Support Cork’s neediest with the Just One Meal appeal

One of Cork’s best loved charities has launched a new appeal which will help some of Cork’s most vulnerable get a nutritious meal.

Cork Penny Dinners Just One Meal appeal offers members of the public the chance to help those in Cork who need a meal through a donation of €5 - the cost of preparing a meal at the charity.

The message behind the James Street charity’s appeal is simple: €5 can provide a warm and nutritious meal for one person at Cork Penny Dinners and now, donating is easier with the addition of a donation portal at corkpennydinners.org.

Through the generosity of the people of Cork, the charity can sustain its crucial year-round service, ensuring people experiencing food poverty and hunger have access to food, dignity and support. Thanks to the recent reintroduction of the sit-down service, people can also come inside and enjoy some company with their meal.

Founded in 1888, Cork Penny Dinners has supported generations of people across Cork, providing hot meals, food hampers and essential support to those who need it most.

The charity’s work continues 365 days of the year, with demand for its services growing and community support playing a vital role in allowing the organisation to continue meeting that need.

Chairperson of Cork Penny Dinners, Gary Heslin, said: “Everyday at Cork Penny Dinners, we see the importance of a warm meal and the difference that kindness and community support can make. The Just One Meal appeal is about showing that even small contributions can have a meaningful impact.”

General Manager Sharon Murphy, Cork Penny Dinners said: “Our work is only possible because of the incredible generosity and support of the Cork community. From our sponsors and patrons to our wonderful volunteers. The Just One Meal appeal is a simple way for people to understand the direct impact of their support.

“While the appeal is centred around one meal, it represents so much more. It is about providing people with dignity, kindness and a place where they feel welcome,” she said.

Head Chef at the charity’s kitchen on James Street, Jack Revell said: “Every meal prepared at Cork Penny Dinners is made with care and the knowledge that food can bring comfort and connection. Our meals are prepared to the highest safety standards. A warm meal is something many people take for granted, but for someone who is struggling, it can make a huge difference.”

Lisa Murphy, a volunteer at the charity who has lived experience as a Cork Penny Dinners service user said: “I relied on this charity 24 years ago when I lived on the streets of Cork city. My chronic alcoholism left me homeless and I depended on the food at Cork Penny Dinners every single day for two and a half years, but also the dignity that I was shown and the company and care I always received here.

“Now that I’m a volunteer at the charity and my life is not like that anymore - thanks to the support and recovery from the good people of Cork, I feel so blessed to be able to give back and I urge anyone who can afford just €5 to donate Just One Meal - that meal will save a life in Cork,” she said.

Through Just One Meal, people can donate the cost of one meal, €5, through the Cork Penny Dinners website at https://corkpennydinners.org/justonemeal/.