Cathal BarryAs if the phenomenal work Br Kevin Crowley does feeding the homeless at Dublin’s Capuchin Day Centre wasn’t enough, the Capuchin Franciscan friars are at it again. This time, in Kilkenny.
The Friary Food Project, which was launched this week, is a “Capuchin response to a community need”, according to Br Sean Donohue, one of the friars spearheading the initiative.
The new project is an extension of the Capuchin Day Centre on Bow Street in Dublin which feeds about 800 people daily between breakfast and lunch.
In its infancy, the Kilkenny food bank will see up to 20 volunteers handing out food parcels to those in need every Tuesday from 11am-1pm.
“The idea for the project came about due from a desire to help people who are struggling to manage their finances or pay their bills. There is a growing number of people going to work hungry and children going to school without a breakfast here,” Br Sean told The Irish Catholic.
Help
“We just want to help people get back on their feet. We won’t be turning anyone away. Whoever needs help will find it here,” he said.
The friars are expecting modest numbers for the first couple of weeks. However, based on projections from similar initiatives, the Capuchins expect to be assisting up to 200 families per week at their peak. “This is just the first step in responding to a practical need within the community. Who knows how it might develop? We aren’t sure what this might lead to but we are open to anything.
“The people of Kilkenny have been very generous and supportive of us down through the years. This is our way of giving a little back,” Br Sean said.