New social grocery initiative for region
With help from a generous donation from the JP McManus Pro Am, the Mid-West Simon Community is moving forward with the purchase, renovation, refurbishment and fit-out of a Social Grocery on Henry Street in Limerick City Centre.
The Mid-West Simon Community Social Grocery, which will be the first grocery of its kind in the Republic of Ireland, aims to open in 2025 and will operate on a social enterprise model. The charity has been providing a foodbank service in the Mid-West Region since 2014.
“We started to look at the possibility of opening a social grocery in Limerick in 2020 when we commissioned UL to carry out a feasibility study. Since that study was published, we have been working on this project. Thanks to the funding that we have received from the JP McManus Pro Am, we have now been able to purchase a suitable building and to get the project underway,” said Eleshia Fahy, Interim CEO.
In addition to providing affordable groceries at substantially discounted prices, the Social Grocery will offer various support services, including skills and training courses, money management workshops, advice and information services and cooking and food skills classes. It also aims to deliver numerous positive outcomes, including:
• Improved Nutrition: By offering a broader range of dietary options compared to food banks, a Social Grocery can contribute to healthier eating habits and associated physical health benefits. • Reduced Stigma: The model helps eliminate the stigma associated with receiving free or rationed food by allowing members to shop in a dignified manner, choosing products based on their preferences and dietary needs. • Social and Economic Benefits: The initiative is expected to generate economic benefits by reducing food waste and creating employment and volunteering opportunities. It also aims to increase employability by alerting members to job and training opportunities.
MID WEST SIMON COMMUNITY ANNUAL FUNDRAISING BALL
In conjunction with the Announcement in relation to the new Social Grocery, Mid-West Simon Community would like to announce that this year’s Annual Fundraising Ball will take place on Saturday, September 28. The theme is food poverty. All funds raised will go towards the operation of the Social Grocery.
For more information on the new Social Grocery and the Annual Fundraising Ball, please visit https://www.midwestsimon.ie/.