Musgrave MarketPlace, a leading wholesale supplier to Ireland’s food service, retail and SME businesses, has announced that since 2016 it has donated over 1.5 million meals to 200 local charities and community groups in Ireland through its partnership with FoodCloud. This donation equates to over 630 tonnes of food and a saving of €1.89 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 over 2000 tonnes of CO2-equivalent emissions from entering the earth’s atmosphere and damaging the environment.
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 donations have benefitted over 200 amazing charities all over Ireland and provide support to those most vulnerable in our communities.”
75,000 tonnes of food are wasted in Retail and Distribution in Ireland every year, which equates to 10% of Ireland’s total food waste. FoodCloud helps rescue food surplus and redistribute it among charities and community groups across Ireland.
Sami Seretan, Manager, Feed Dublin said: “Feed Dublin helps bridge the gap for individuals and families that struggle between meeting pressing financial needs and providing nutritious food for themselves and their families. The support we receive from Musgrave MarketPlace and FoodCloud helps us to achieve this goal. We look forward to a continued partnership with Musgrave MarketPlace and FoodCloud for many years to come.”
Adrian Young, Head of Irish Partnerships, FoodCloud added: “FoodCloud is extremely grateful for the ongoing support and dedication from all in Musgrave MarketPlace to reduce food waste and to ensure that perfectly good food makes its way to those who need it. Reaching the milestone of 1.5 million meals equivalent donated to community organisations across Ireland since 2016, Musgrave MarketPlace can be assured they are making a very real difference to the lives of many people at a time when they need it most. FoodCloud is delighted to work with Musgrave MarketPlace and we look forward to continuing and developing our relationship long into the future.”
Food is redistributed from across the seven Musgrave MarketPlace branches nationwide who donate food directly to charity partners in their local communities via FoodCloud’s Foodiverse app. In addition, the business’ Central Distribution Centre in Blanchardstown donates directly to FoodCloud’s Hub in Tallaght.
