2023 was another busy year for our food distribution initiative in the Gort Family Resource Centre. We had a rise in the number of new applicants, particularly in the last quarter of the  year.

2023 also saw great excitement here with us. We were filmed in an AIB sponsored  short clip. They showed what we do really sensitively and accurately. Our project is inclusive. All those who are newly arrived in our community find a warm and welcoming environment which enables them to volunteer. Importantly, it also gives them an opportunity to ‘give back’ to the community in which they have become a part.

We  were hugely appreciative of the support given to us by Food Cloud, particularly in the run up to Christmas when demand is always great. Over 70 boxes of food were distributed in the week leading up to Christmas to individuals and families, from little ones to older people. These boxes also included food vouchers for local businesses purchased with funding we received from the Children’s Rights Alliance. They also included donations from The Hygiene  Hub Galway with a range of products. And for women and girls we also included feminine hygiene Products from our Period Poverty Initiativewith funding we  secured through our own FRC National Forum.

The fact that we have a team of volunteers and an established  smooth working system for food distribution makes it so much easier for us to also include these additional supports when we can. Thank you to each and everyone who ensures that this amazing service is available to those who need it in our community; FoodCloud Head Office, The Hub in Oranmore and of course our own team of amazing volunteers who ensure the smooth running of this initiative throughout the whole year.

We’d like to wish you and yours all the very best for 2024.