Archbishop urges food donations in lead-up to Christmas

People in Dublin have been asked by Catholic Archbishop Diarmuid Martin, as a matter of urgency, to donate food to the Crosscare food banks in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Crossare is the archdiocese's social care agency. Demand on Crosscare's seven food banks around Dublin is increasing as the winter progresses.

Following a similar appeal last year Crosscare was able to distribute more than 10,000 hampers – more than 1,200 tonnes of non-perishable food items and hygiene products – to those most in need, especially families. As demand for food remains high it is hoped that people will respond in a similar manner the weekend after next, the first weekend in December, when collections begin.

People are asked to bring non-perishable food items to their local parish church on the weekend of December 3rd/4th next. Types of food urgently needed include non-perishables such as pasta/rice, fruit juice, tea/coffee, soup, sugar, powdered milk, tinned meat/fish, tinned veg/fruit, packaged dessert, biscuits, and hygiene products.

In a letter to all priests and parishes in the archdiocese, Archbishop Martin has strongly commended Crosscare's initiative.

He said: "Throughout the Jubilee Year of Mercy, which has just closed, Pope Francis called on the faithful to continue to practise new works of mercy, and to find new ways to give expression to the traditional works reminding us: 'the door of mercy of our heart continues to remain wide open.'

“I am asking you once again to help those in need by assisting in the collection of vital food and essentials for the Crosscare food banks.”

Crosscare’s food manager Michael McDonagh said that they are relying on people to support this latest appeal from the Archbishop to ensure they can get food and other household items to families in the weeks ahead.