Earlier this year, we were delighted to announce the renewal of Danone's partnership with FoodCloud, a social enterprise dedicated to tackling food waste and supporting communities across Ireland.

Danone has been in partnership with FoodCloud since 2023, and together we have helped redistribute more than 181 tonnes of surplus food, equivalent to over 430,000 meals, to those who need them most, while contributing to a more sustainable food system.

A key element of our partnership is volunteering. Each year, Danone employees dedicate hundreds of hours to supporting FoodCloud through volunteering at FoodCloud Hubs nationwide, the FoodCloud Kitchen in Dublin, and on local farms during the harvest season as part of its Gleaning initiative.

Over the past few years, I have been fortunate to work alongside FoodCloud staff and fellow volunteers at several FoodCloud volunteering events. Seeing the scale of FoodCloud's food redistribution operation and the positive difference they make in communities across Ireland was truly inspiring.

Every item of food counted, sorted, or gleaned represents an opportunity to make a meaningful difference.

One particularly memorable experience was taking part in a gleaning event earlier this year, where volunteers recovered more than 600kg of potatoes that might otherwise have gone to waste.

It was also fascinating to see how surplus food is transformed in the FoodCloud Kitchen. The chefs and staff creatively prepare and repurpose surplus ingredients, ensuring minimal waste while producing nutritious, high-quality meals for local charities and community organisations.

These experiences highlighted the importance of FoodCloud’s work, deepened my understanding of the challenges surrounding food waste and food poverty, and brought Danone’s mission to "bring health through food to as many people as possible" to life in a truly tangible and meaningful way.

Volunteering with FoodCloud has been an enjoyable and rewarding experience, providing valuable insight into the vital work they do every day. Even just a few hours of your time can make a meaningful difference to communities across Ireland while helping to create a more sustainable food system.