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How does it work?
FoodCloud’s role is to procure, store and arrange the collection of ESF+ Food Support products by eligible charities. ESF+ Food Support helps individuals to take their first steps out of poverty and social exclusion.
ESF+ Food and Basic Material Support is designed to support Member States in addressing the basic needs of the most deprived people in our community. It is funded by European Social Fund (ESF+) under the Employment, Inclusion, Skills and Training Programme. In Ireland, the specific objective of addressing material deprivation through food and basic material assistance is managed by the Department of Social Protection.
This support is for people without access to income or living in very poor circumstances.
The support will work with not-for-profit organisations to provide food and basic material assistance.
FoodCloud previously worked as the partner organisation for the Department of Social Protection in the FEAD Programme (Fund for European Aid to the most Deprived, the predecessor to the ESF+ Food Support programme).
FoodCloud is the Department of Social Protection partner organisation for the nationwide availability of ESF+ Food Support in Ireland.
Following initial consultation with the charitable sector, the Department of Social Protection (DSP) compiled the product list for the programme.
FoodCloud is responsible for the procurement, storage and arranging charity collection of ESF+ Food Support products for this programme.
The food items consist of basic, non-perishable foods which are easy to transport and store.
The product list includes rice, pasta and pasta sauce, soups (dried and canned), canned fish, jam, tea, coffee, sugar, canned vegetables and breakfast cereals.
Charities who join the ESF+ Food Support programme will be given an allocation by the DSP based on, among other things, the number of individuals they support with food assistance. Charities then use this allocation to order the food they require from FoodCloud.
If you are interested in accessing or receiving other information on the programme, please email the DSP at [email protected]. More information is also available from the EU Funds website - www.eufunds.ie.
More information and a copy of the application form is available on the ESF+ Food Support website.
If you have any queries relating to the ESF+ Food Support Programme, you can email [email protected] or call 01 462 5362.
Want to see more?
The Growers'
Project.
Farm to Future.
The Growers’ Project is a collaborative initiative that helps unlock more fresh, nutritious produce for communities by supporting primary producers who may not be in a position to donate surplus food free of charge.
By contributing towards the cost of getting produce from farm to FoodCloud, the project makes it easier for growers to ensure good food reaches people, not waste.
Through this approach, we’re increasing access to a consistent supply of vegetables for our charity partners, while working closely with them to make sure the type and volume of produce can be easily used or shared within their communities.
It’s a practical solution that supports both producers and community organisations, creating impact across the food system.
Open to growers with Grade II or surplus produce, the Growers’ Project forms part of our wider work to redistribute good food across Ireland.

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