County Council staff helping to deliver over 300 meals a day to residents in East Cork

Wed, 15 Apr, 2020 - 14:39

Cork County Council staff members are assisting communities in a variety of different ways to ensure elderly and vulnerable people are comfortable and safe during the current pandemic.

In Midleton, La Trattoria Restaurant run by the Corigliano family, prepare over 300 meals daily and through a network of local volunteers, distribute the meals around East Cork.

The ingredients are donated by local businesses with Cork County Council staff assisting with deliveries.

Owner/chef Pasquale Corigliano with some of the 300 meals ready for pick-up. Pic: Brian Lougheed

The initiative is coordinated by Cork County Council’s Covid-19 Community Support Programme which brings together the existing wide variety of statutory and voluntary groups working across the county to assist those in need in a collaborative and targeted way.

The service is offering non-emergency and non-medical supports such as meal delivery, food/household shopping, and fuel together with social supports.

Cork County Council has established 19 town teams to ensure there is a very real presence at a local level and works directly with the existing agencies to respond to calls made through the Council’s dedicated helpline.

Over 700 calls have been made to the helpline since its establishment two weeks ago.

Council staff members Brian O'Donovan (left) and Billy Buckley helping to distribute some of the 300 meals every day. Pic: Brian Lougheed

Liz Maddox, Chair of the Older Persons Council, lauded La Trattoria, Cork County Council staff and volunteers for helping those in need in East Cork.

"We had no meals on wheels in Castlemartyr when I became aware of the wonderful people at La Trattoria. "Castlemartyr would have a small group of people with different medical conditions in need of a meal.

"I would like to thank the local businesses who donate the ingredients to La Trattoria as well as Cork County Council staff who deliver these meals as well as medication from the local pharmacies.

Council staff member Billy Buckley delivering one of the prepared meals to Breda O'Brien of Bridgetown, Castlemartyr who is visually impaired. Pic: Brian Lougheed

"I would also like to acknowledge our Community Garda, Dave Leahy, and our local Centra staff member, Valerie Cahill, who have been a great support," she said.

Cork County Council Covid-19 Community Support Programme can be contacted free of charge on 1800 805 819 with lines open from 8am to 8pm seven days a week.

Those calling from outside of Ireland seeking assistance for a relative or friend, should call +353 21 4285517.

You can also email at covidsupport@corkcoco.ie or text 085 870 9010.