30 August 2026
By Tom Collins
tom@TheCork.ie
Appeal highlights how €5 donations can provide nutritious meals for Cork’s needy
Cork Penny Dinners is running its ‘Just One Meal’ appeal highlighting that members of the public can now help those in Cork who need a nutritious meal with a simple donation of €5, the cost of preparing a meal at the James Street charity.
The message behind the charity’s appeal is simple: €5 can provide a warm and nutritious meal for one person at Cork Penny Dinners and now, donating is easy with the addition of a new donation portal on the charity’s website corkpennydinners.org.
Through the continued generosity of the people of Cork, the charity can sustain its vital 365-day service, ensuring people experiencing food poverty and hunger have access to food, dignity and support throughout the year. Thanks to the recent reintroduction of the sit-down service, people can also come inside and enjoy some company with their meal.
Founded in 1988, Cork Penny Dinners has supported generations of people across Cork, providing hot meals, food hampers and essential support to those who need it most.
Pictured at Mary Elmes Bridge, Cork are Head Chef, Jack Revell; General Manager, Sharon Murphy; Cork Penny Dinners Volunteer, Lisa Murphy, and Chairperson, Gary Heslin, at the launch of the ‘Just One Meal’ appeal. The campaign highlights how a €5 donation can provide one warm, nutritious meal for someone experiencing food poverty in Cork. Through the continued generosity of the public, Cork Penny Dinners can continue providing meals, dignity and support to those who need it most, 365 days a year.
Picture: Michael O’Sullivan / OSM PHOTO
The charity’s work continues every day of the year, with demand for its services growing and community support playing a vital role in allowing the organisation to continue meeting that need.
Speaking of the launch of the ‘Just One Meal’ appeal, chairperson of Cork Penny Dinners, Gary Heslin, said, “Everyday at Cork Penny Dinners, we see the importance of a warm meal and the difference that kindness and community support can make. The ‘Just One Meal’ appeal is about showing that even small contributions can have a meaningful impact. By donating the price of one meal, just €5, can provide a warm and nutritious meal for someone in Cork who needs it.“
General Manager Sharon Murphy, Cork Penny Dinners said, “Our work is only possible because of the incredible generosity and support of the Cork community. From our sponsors and patrons to our wonderful volunteers. The ‘Just One Meal’ appeal is a simple way for people to understand the direct impact of their support. One €5 donation helps us provide one meal, allowing us to continue welcoming and supporting people every day of the year.
“While the appeal is centred around one meal, it represents so much more. It is about providing people with dignity, kindness and a place where they feel welcome. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who continues to support our work and helps us keep our doors open 365 days a year,” she said.
Head Chef at the charity’s kitchen on James Street, Jack Revell said: “ Every meal prepared at Cork Penny Dinners is made with care and the knowledge that food can bring comfort and connection. Our meals are prepared to the highest safety standards. A warm meal is something many people take for granted, but for someone who is struggling, it can make a huge difference. The support behind ‘Just One Meal’ helps us continue providing meals that are prepared with care.”
Lisa Murphy, a volunteer at the charity who has lived experience as a Cork Penny Dinners service user said: “I relied on this charity 24 years ago when I lived on the streets of Cork City. My chronic alcoholism left me homeless and I depended on the food at Cork Penny Dinners every single day for two and a half years, but also the dignity that I was shown and the company and care I always received here.
Now that I’m a volunteer at the charity and my life is not like that anymore – thanks to the support and recovery from the good people of Cork, I feel so blessed to be able to give back and I urge anyone who can afford just €5 to donate Just One Meal – that meal will save a life in Cork,” she said.
Through ‘Just One Meal’, members of the public can donate the cost of one meal, €5, through the Cork Penny Dinners website at https://corkpennydinners.org/justonemeal/