Food For Simon Impact on World Food Safety Day
On #WorldFoodSafetyDay, we want to highlight some facts about our long-standing Food For Simon programme.
Sustenance and Safety
The Food For Simon programme was founded in 2009 to ensure a reliable source of essential food items for our services. Annually, the programme provides approximately 360,000 meals and distributes over 2,200 food parcels through our Outreach service. It also provides around 1,000 meals daily to vulnerable individuals residing in emergency accommodation, supported housing, treatment, and outreach services.
Impact and Sustainability
The Food For Simon programme not only ensures that food safety remains a top priority, it also heavily reduces expenses associated with food procurement. This would not be possible without the support of our donors and partners. We have a variety of partners, including long-term donors who offer us to order products free of charge on a weekly or monthly basis, as well as those who provide a variety of surplus or seasonal stock. We also have donors who support us though the provision of food items, including frozen products, toiletries, and food items with a shelf life of at least four weeks. Collaborations with local businesses, farmers, and international NGOs have also enriched our resources, enabling us to offer diverse and nutritious food options to our clients. All donations are extremely valuable to provide meals to our clients.
Community and Support
The Food For Simon programme goes beyond food safety and cost savings. For our donors and partners, the programme allows them to fulfil their commitment of supporting the homeless community; “Donnelly fresh have been proud partners with the Dublin Simon community for over 20 years, providing high quality fresh produce to their clients. As part of our commitment to support our local communities it is important to us to provide sustainable and nutritious food to the people of Ireland, and this shouldn’t exclude people who are experiencing homelessness. This commitment is also shown by all of our employees who have stepped up each year to raise money, organise events and volunteer to support the fundraising efforts of the Community. Our partnership with the Dublin Simon Community allows us to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need and help support a healthier more dignified future for all.” – Lorraine McMahon, Category & Insights Manager, Donnelly Fresh. For our clients, consistent access to nutritious food contributes to improved health and well-being, fostering a sense of stability and dignity; “The support from Food for Simon has been life-changing. I no longer worry about where my next meal will come from, which has allowed me to focus on rebuilding my life”. For our staff and volunteers, the direct and positive impact of the programme serves as a motivation, creating a fulfilling and supportive work environment; “Volunteering with Food for Simon has given me a sense of purpose. Knowing that our efforts make a tangible difference in someone’s life is incredibly rewarding”.
The Food For Simon programme is a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together to support its most vulnerable members. With continued donor support, we aim to expand our reach, enhance our services, and ensure that everyone in the community has safe and nutritious food to eat.
