Who Are They?

‍Rooted in camaraderie, care, and an unyielding commitment to service, the Portlaoise branch of the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA) has been a vital, reassuring presence for over 25 years. Built by army veterans who served on peacekeeping missions in conflict zones like Lebanon, Kosovo, and Chad, the group operates on a deep foundation of trust and shared history. They understand firsthand what it means to face hardship and rely on the person beside you. Today, led by dedicated members like Dermot, Martin, and Paddy, they channel that same disciplined, military duty into supporting fellow veterans, vulnerable individuals and their families.

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How Do They Use FoodCloud?

Every Wednesday, Dermot wakes up at 4:30 AM to begin a weekly run to Dublin, picking up fresh, high-quality surplus food directly from the FoodCloud Hub. Running this operation is a constant test of resilience. Working with a very small core team of volunteers, they face relentless resource barriers. Fundraising is an uphill struggle, and keeping their single, ageing 2007 van roadworthy requires members to dig into their own personal savings just to cover repairs, tests, and fuel.

When their council-provided site proved far too small for loading and manoeuvring, the strength of their community connections carried them through—a local friend stepped up to offer his private yard as an operational base. Despite tight budgets and physical limitations, their determination never wavers. Relying on mutual support, volunteers gather weekly to sort crates, while others use FoodCloud’s Foodiverse app to collect directly from local supermarkets, ensuring no obstacle prevents food from reaching those who need it most.

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The Difference It Makes: 

In 2025, IUNVA Post 27 Portlaoise redistributed an incredible 29,303.41 kg of food, directly supporting about 40 individuals and their families weekly. The reach of this effort extends to young families facing soaring grocery bills, elderly veterans living on tight pensions, and isolated individuals in surrounding towns like Abbeyleix. Beyond providing nutritious meals and reducing food waste, the service delivers quiet compassion. Volunteers subtly drop off food support to families in need without fuss or fanfare, preserving their dignity. For a community facing rising costs of living, IUNVA Post 27 provides a reliable safety net built on respect, care, and unwavering solidarity.

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In Their Own Words

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On the Spirit of Mutual Support:

"When you're in the army, you make friends for life... That's what it's about—looking after one another, and trying your best to be as good as you can be." — Dermot

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On Discreetly Helping Families in Need:

"We try to look after people as best we can, keep an eye on them, because many people might not feel comfortable reaching out for help." — Paddy

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On Commitment and Overcoming Limitations:

"The few pounds spare that I had saved up paid for the DOE and the repair of it as well... if it doesn't pass, we have nothing... so then that's 10 families gone and more." — Dermot

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On the Quality and Impact of Surplus Food:

"What we get from the [FoodCloud] Hub, like this morning, is way better, because you know your dates and your stuff... Since 2016, the amount of people helped is incredible." — Dermot

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