Cork Penny Dinners Marks First Year in New James Street Facility

Cork's oldest food charity reports demand remains high but stable as it celebrates 12 months in expanded premises with new data systems showing clearer picture of those seeking support this Christmas.

Cork Penny Dinners is marking its first year in its new James Street facility, with the city's 137-year-old food charity now better equipped than ever to meet growing demand from families affected by the cost of living crisis.

The charity, which serves around 500 hot meals daily, has implemented a new data capture system that provides clearer insight into those seeking support. General Manager Sharon Murphy, who was appointed in March, says the facilities are now well positioned to meet current needs.

Sharon Murphy, General Manager:

"We have seen an increase in the number of families seeking support from Cork Penny Dinners. The cost of living crisis is hitting families and we see that reflected in those reaching out now for support."

In September and October alone, 149 individuals requested help, with 17 families needing support for children. This figure sits outside the charity's daily food service at the door, which provides 15,000 hot meals per month from 9am to 1pm.

Sharon is urging anyone seeking support for Christmas to get in touch now to ensure they can be accommodated.

The charity, which receives no government funding, relies entirely on public donations, up to 30 businesses from Cork and beyond, and vital supplies from local companies including All Fresh, Kavanagh Fine Foods and Shannonvale Foods.

Up to 10 volunteers work daily to help serve meals, with the charity welcoming a new group this year who assist in both the kitchen and the warehouse in Churchfield.

Sharon Murphy:

"We are so grateful to our wonderful volunteers who continue to provide care and time to our service users. We couldn't do it without them."

The charity appointed Head Chef Jack Revell earlier this year to ensure food safety standards remain at the highest level given the scale of operations. Sharon, whose background is in Food Safety and HR, first joined Cork Penny Dinners in 2024.

The move from Little Hanover Street, where the charity had been based for 75 years, to 13 James Street in late 2024 has provided expanded facilities including a larger kitchen with cold rooms, a computer room for digital skills development, and a meeting space for community groups such as Nasc, The Migrant and Refugee Rights Centre.

The charity is now preparing for its annual Christmas Day sit down meal, which will see over 15 volunteers greet and help feed around 300 service users, whether homeless, lonely or simply in need of support on the day.

Gary Heslin, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees:

"We are so honoured to have great supporters, a strong and talented staff and of course our great and vital volunteers, who are local individuals, students and corporate groups who help us out as a team."

Gary says the charity still needs five drivers to volunteer this Christmas to help deliver meals and hampers for families and individuals across Cork.

Gary Heslin:

"It's important that anyone in need can access help, especially during the Christmas season and especially those who are not mobile or cannot make it into the centre here in the city."

Cork Penny Dinners is also hoping to fully restore sit down meals across the year, a service that was set aside during Covid but remains central to the charity's mission of providing a safe and comfortable place where people can sit and chat.

Interested volunteers can register through the charity's website at corkpennydinners.org.