Musgrave MarketPlace, has announced that since 2016 it has donated over 1.2 million meals to 350 local charities and community groups in Ireland through its partnership with FoodCloud.
The wholesaler noted that this donation equates to 520 tonnes of food and a saving of €1.5 million to Irish charities.
FoodCloud is a social enterprise that connects businesses with surplus food to charities in their local communities, allowing them to donate food easily and directly to those that need it.
Through its food donations, which may have otherwise been wasted, Musgrave MarketPlace has prevented 1665.92 tonnes of CO2-equivalent emissions from entering the earth’s atmosphere and damaging the environment.
'Sustainable Future'
Food waste is a significant contributor to climate change, with the Environmental Protection Agency stating it contributes to 8-10% of greenhouse gas emissions.
Desi Derby, marketing director at Musgrave MarketPlace, said, “At Musgrave MarketPlace, we are committed to doing everything possible to build a more sustainable future and our partnership with FoodCloud is a key focus for the business.
"We are extremely proud that our support has resulted in over 1.2 million meals, with an estimated value of over €1.5 million, going directly to amazing charities all over Ireland and provide support to those most vulnerable in our communities.”
Musgrave MarketPlace noted that it donates surplus food from their seven branches nationwide directly to Irish charities through the FoodCloud app.
Linx Project Limited
The Ballymun branch has supported local charity, Linx Project Limited, through the donation of over 15,000 meals to date.
Food waste is also a major issue for Musgrave MarketPlace customers, and the business recently held a Food Waste Workshop, with experts in the area educating chefs and retailers on how they can reduce their food waste, it added.
Frank Rock from Linx Project Limited, said, “We provide Meals on Wheels Service and Drop-in Centre for the local community.
"The majority of clients we service would be elderly, however, there is a sizable number who are younger and suffering from mental health issues and physical disabilities as well as addiction and related issues."
'Key Contributor'
Sheena Forde, partnerships director at FoodCloud highlighted that Musgrave MarketPlace has been a key contributor to FoodCloud since they began donating surplus food in 2016.
"Musgrave MarketPlace is an excellent example of an organisation that has expanded its operation with us over the years, and the contribution of food to an estimated value of over €1.5m has made a real difference to the lives of many people in communities across Ireland," she added.
Read More: FoodCloud Announces Three New Senior Appointments
© 2023 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Donna Ahern. For more retail news, click here. Click subscribe to sign up for the Checkout print edition.
