A NEW food industry initiative has saved one of the city’s vital homeless charities over e 1 million.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney, joined key players from the food industry to celebrate the success of the
‘Food for Simon’ initiative at Zaragoza Restaurant on South William Street.
RTE’s Bryan Dobson was Master of ceremonies at the event that marked the impressive cost saving milestone that the Food for Simon programme has generated for the Simon Community since it was launched in 2009.
The initiative encourages companies to donate food, services and other essential items that would usually be purchased by the Simon Community to maintain and run its homeless services.
Speaking at the event, Minister Coveney TD said that despite a tough market in recent years, companies in the food sector had shown tremendous support for the Simon Community and those who are homeless or at risk.
“Reaching e1 million in savings is a fantastic achievement and this event, while an opportunity to celebrate this landmark success, also gives us the chance to discuss new initiatives and look at how the sector can do more to help those who rely on Simon services,
? he said.
As part of the evening, three participants were challenged to prepare meals using ingredients typically supplied through the Food for Simon programme in a master chef inspired
‘Simon Supper Challenge’.
Contestants not only had to create and present a restaurant quality dish to the judges, they had to do it all for under e10.
Three Food for Simon supporters and novice chefs, Mairead Butler from RaboÂbank, Padraig McKeon, Simon board member and Nigel Ward from Valeo Foods took up the challenge and cooked up a storm in the kitchen with the help of Zaragoza head chef Nouredine Boudhar.
Minister Coveney, Michael Carey, founder of Food for Simon and Kelly Crowley, Dublin Simon fundraising manager tasted each dish and awarded the winner with the Simon Supper Challenge Trophy.
Following the cook off, the floor was opened up to debate on the importance of the food sector being socially responsible.
Michael Carey stated:
“The room was awash with ideas and enthusiasm for the future of Food for Simon.
“We had a refreshing debate that looked at how we in the food sector can push the boundaries and look at new ways to help the Simon Community provide essential services, at a time when demand is at crisis levels.
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Sam McGuinness of Dublin Simon Community conÂgratulated and thanked companies for their generosity and support.
“At a time when homeless services are being stretched more than ever, the commitment of our friends who support the Food for Simon programme makes an enormous difference in the day to day running of the services we provide to people who are vulnerable and have nowhere else to turn.
“It is critical that we further develop the programme and build the list of goods and services in Food for Simon, such as cleaning materials, baked goods and poultry in order to make significant cost savings thrÂoughout the organisation to enable us to focus on providing accommodation and support to the people we support each day.
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