The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Foodshare hoping to open Tralee store
THERE was double cause for celebration for Foodshare Kerry in recent days, as the not-forprofit organisation scooped funding worth €12,200 from two separate initiatives – funding which will help establish a social community store in Tralee, it is hoped.
Foodshare Kerry is an initiative by St Vincent de Paul and NEWKD (North and East West Kerry Development). It rescues good surplus food from supermarkets and producers before bringing it to organisations who distribute this food to those in need.
The not-for-profit received €2,200 under the Community Services Programme Support Fund and €10,000 for winning first prize in the Social Enterprise Development Fund Showcase Event at the Royal College of Physicians.
The latter funding lot came via an online public vote after member Courtney Sheehy made a pitch to an audience of 100.
Project Manager Rob Carey explained to The Kerryman that his group originally applied for the more lucrative ‘Accelerator Programme’ but were unsuccessful. However, he was delighted to receive mentorship from the organisers since then in fine-tuning the pitch, which clearly worked well as Ms Sheehy made the best impression of all those who pitched on the night to win the €10,000.
“We were delighted with the win, and we now hope it helps to establish a social community store in Tralee, where we would have some of the quality surplus food we collect on offer at an affordable price,” he told The Kerryman.
“We would also like to provide education on things like understanding food labels, household budgeting, reducing food waste, and other organisations that can help.”
It is also hoped a kitchen accompanying the store will make food deemed as waste viable again.