FoodCloud, the innovative Irish social enterprise distributing surplus food from retailers to charities, opened its third hub in Oranmore this week.
Ireland generates over one million tonnes of food waste annually, large amounts of which go straight in the bin, not just from our homes but from restaurants and retailers.
FoodCloud and its hubs were established in 2013 with the aim of addressing the problem of food waste and social exclusion by connecting businesses with surplus food to charities that could use it in the community.
Speaking on behalf of Galway Simon, CEO Karen Golden said that just having food can be a critical concern for people struggling to pay high rents.
“The availability of food from FoodCloud allows us to help in a substantial way. It enables us to support people to have the opportunity to cover important expenses such as rent, heat and school costs, without having to forgo food or nutrition”
‘Connecting communities through food’ was the theme of the opening event attended by Minister for Agriculture, Food, and the Marine Michael Creed.
“Ireland has committed to reduce the amount of food we waste and is taking action through supporting organisations like FoodCloud Hubs and also through Bord Bia’s food sustainability programme, Origin Green,” Minister Creed said
“I am delighted to see the expansion of FoodCloud Hubs into the west with the Hub in Oranmore and I encourage all food businesses to get involved to make sure that no good food goes to waste.”
With the remarkable @obrienaoibheann and @Iseultw co-founders of @FoodCloud as they launch their new Galway hub in Oranmore today #foodcloud pic.twitter.com/pQgfH9R7Gq
— Michael Creed TD (@creedcnw) November 30, 2018
The food served at the launch, created entirely from surplus, was facilitated by Jess Murphy of Kai Restaurant, who holds the accolade of Best Chef in Ireland for 2018 and has worked extensively with Massimo Bottura internationally on his Food For the Soul food surplus projects.
Aoibheann O’Brien, CEO of FoodCloud Hubs said, “FoodCloud Hub in Galway has become a reality as a result of huge commitment and engagement from a wide and diverse range of groups from across society, the food industry, the charity sector, government departments and the business community.”
So far the Galway Hub has redistributed almost 400 tonnes of food to over 50 charities across the West of Ireland, the equivalent of 800,000 meals.
“The launch event today is a celebration of what has been achieved to date and a thank you to those who have helped to get us here but we also hope it will raise awareness of our presence in Galway and inspire more food businesses and charities to get involved and help to realise a vision for a world where no good food goes to waste.”
Photo: Andrew Downes Photography
