Share Food

The parish food bank, Share Food, distributes about 120 food parcels to needy families and individuals each week.

Share Food was established in 2014 to answer the Gospel challenge to ‘feed the hungry’. Since then it has been helping people who are struggling because of economic circumstances, illness, migration, homelessness, bereavement and other difficulties. People in emergency situations are also assisted. 

Townspeople are encouraged to help Share Food by donating food each week in the three churches of the parish - St. Conleth’s, Cill Mhuire and St. Eustace’s (Dominican) and at the parish centre. People also donate when shopping in Dunnes, Tesco and SuperValu. All kinds of tinned and dry in-date food are welcomed.

Since its inception Share Food has been co-ordinated by Sr Eileen Murphy, Mairead Ryan and Gaye White. They lead a team of about 50 volunteers who collect the donations from churches and supermarkets. The donations are then checked, sorted and packed in a central discreet stockroom which is overseen by volunteer Stephen Moran.

The food is distributed each Monday from this store where the privacy of recipients is respected. 

While some recipients have been getting food parcels since the food bank was established, many others have seen their fortunes improve and no longer need help. However, there is always a steady demand from new people in need.

The Share Food leaders are extremely grateful for the ongoing generosity of donors. Without their kindness, the project could not continue. The leaders also appreciate the huge contributions by local schools usually at Christmastime.

Bishop Denis Nulty said the Share Food initiative must be applauded, encouraged and supported. The needs out there remain huge. 

The Bishop said St. Paul, speaking to the Corinthians, suggests that Love is volunteering, donating and contributing. Love is recognising the generosity of a community towards a worthwhile project.