Wholesale supplier to foodservice, retail and SME businesses 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. This donation equates to 520 tonnes of food and a saving of €1.5 million to Irish charities.
Details
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 atmosphere and damaging the environment.
Food waste is a significant contributor to climate change, with the Environmental Protection Agency stating that it contributes 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 donates surplus food from its seven branches nationwide directly to Irish charities through the FoodCloud app. 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.
Frank Rock from Linx Project Limited said, “We provide [a] 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. We appreciate all the support FoodCloud and Musgrave MarketPlace provide to our charity – thank you.”
‘A Key Contributor To FoodCloud’
Sheena Forde, partnerships director at FoodCloud, added, “Musgrave MarketPlace has been a key contributor to FoodCloud since they began donating surplus food in 2016. To reach more than 1.2 million meals’ equivalent redistributed to Irish community organisations since then is an incredible milestone. We at FoodCloud and everyone who has benefitted from this contribution [are] extremely grateful for the support and dedication of the staff at Musgrave MarketPlace.
“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 €1.5 million has made a real difference to the lives of many people in communities across Ireland. We look forward to working in partnership with Musgrave MarketPlace for many years to come.”
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