This year marked the first time that the Little Flower Penny Dinners took part in the National Food Bank Day. To our astonishment, it evolved into a resounding success. We extend our deepest gratitude to all the organisations that contributed, exceeding our expectations, especially given that this was the first time it was hosted on this side of the pond.

 

National Food Bank Day is typically celebrated in the US on the first Friday in September every year. It was one of our main sponsors, Toast.org, an American based company (the philanthropic branch of Toast Inc.) that encouraged us to take part this year.

 

The primary objective of the Little Flower National Food Bank Day was to gather non-perishable food items such as tinned foods, tea bags, biscuits, and more. These items can be added to meal packs that we deliver to the people in our community who need it the most and we are also able to use some of the food to prepare the warm meals that we serve every Monday to Friday in our premises.

 

In the wake of the pandemic, we saw a surge in individuals seeking assistance from our charity, particularly families with children. The commencement of the school year in September typically exerts an additional financial strain on parents as they need to purchase new uniforms and essential school supplies. Furthermore, the impending colder weather in the second half of the year means that there will likely be an increased cost of utility bills, further challenging household finances. These circumstances underscore the enduring significance of the Little Flower's services, as more people grapple with financial hardships.

 

Your generous contributions ensure that we can continue to provide sustenance for countless individuals and in particular families, preventing hunger from afflicting our Dublin community. We extend a heartfelt thanks to all those who generously participated in the Little Flower Penny Dinners National Food Bank Day."

 

Thank you to all the organisations who made a contribution toward the Little Flower Penny Dinners National Food Bank Day.