Sysco Ireland Delivers Food Boxes To Families in Need

Sysco, Ireland’s largest foodservice specialist, is set to deliver 2,500 ready-packed food boxes as it launches its Purpose Month initiative last November.

Sysco Purpose Month, which was first rolled-out in 2023, will once again see colleagues across the four major sites, Cork, Dublin, Limerick and Lisburn, volunteer more than 200 hours to prepare and donate thousands of ready-packed food boxes to families in need.

A global initiative, this year will see Sysco Purpose Month in Ireland build on the success of its inaugural year, as the company partners with 35 charities, nominated by Sysco employees, including The Simon Community, SVP, Food Banks, Family Resource Centres and other charities throughout the country.

Each box is packed with ready to use goods and food basics and will be delivered by Sysco Ireland’s dedicated transport team to the nominated charity, who, in turn, will distribute the boxes directly to those families who need them the most.

Speaking on the annual initiative Martina O’Donnell, HR Director, Sysco Ireland, said; “Now in its second year, the Purpose Month project is one that is incredibly close to the heart of everyone who works for Sysco Ireland. It represents a collective effort by our colleagues across Ireland to deliver on the company’s purpose of Connecting the World to Share Food and Care for One Another. At a time when charities are working harder than ever, we are delighted to play our part in supporting communities, and it is especially important to us that each of the charities involved has been nominated by Sysco employees.”

Speaking on the impact the initiative has on their local community in Dublin, Niamh Walsh, Social Care Leader, Aoibhneas, said: “We really appreciate these food boxes—they mean so much to the women and children we support, whether they’re staying in our refuge or living in the community. For families coming out of difficult situations, these boxes provide more than just meals; they bring a sense of comfort and show that people care. With this support, we’re able to help families focus on healing and starting fresh.”

Speaking on the impact the initiative has on their local community in Lisburn, Lynsey Agnew, Lisburn Foodbank said: “The boxes Sysco donate to us are more than just packages—they are lifelines. Thanks to Sysco’s generosity, we are able to make a tangible difference, alleviating hardship and fostering a sense of solidarity in the heart of our community.”

Speaking on the impact the initiative has on their local community in Cork, Caitríona Twomey, Volunteer Coordinator, Penny Dinners said: “Our charity is one of the oldest in Ireland. Officially founded in 1888, we are a food charity who feed the homeless primarily, but the last few years, we see middle class families and working-class people avail of our food kitchen, asking for assistance to help provide ingredients for a basic cooked meal. Their situation is mainly due to rent increases, and energy increases. The food boxes make a substantial difference for people that find themselves less well-off than others, and know they are not alone or forgotten.” The boxes will be delivered to the nominated charities throughout November with families receiving the boxes throughout the month of December.