PRESS RELEASE
Crosscare Launches 2025 Christmas Food Poverty Appeal
Crosscare, which works with individuals and families experiencing food insecurity, has launched its 2025 Christmas Food Poverty Appeal as it continues to see a rise in the number of people seeking help, especially in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
Over 10% of the population in Ireland is now at risk of food poverty. Rising living costs, insecure work, and constrained access to affordable food continue to push families into crisis.
This year, nearly 3,000 people — including 1,200 children — turned to Crosscare for basic food supplies and support. At the organisation’s renovated Portland Row Community Café, almost 12,000 low-cost meals were served, offering a safe, respectful space for those facing difficulties amid another challenging year of spiralling household costs.
Crosscare’s work goes beyond simply giving food parcels. For families experiencing isolation, financial strain, or barriers to healthcare, education, and employment, Crosscare provides wraparound supports aimed at long-term stability.
Food Services manager Yvonne Fleming said, “We believe in giving people a hand up, not a handout. Every donation helps someone stabilise their life and move toward independence.”
Crosscare has been at the forefront of tackling food poverty for decades. Over the past few years, the organisation has shifted to a new, more effective approach, offering Food and Support.
This model recognises that emergency food alone is not enough. Instead, Crosscare integrates:
- Choice-based food support (instead of pre-packed parcels)
- Affordable hot meals in a community café setting
- One-to-one casework to address the root causes of poverty
- Wraparound supports, including welfare advice, budgeting help, and access to healthcare, education, and employment
Crosscare Calls for Support This Christmas
Crosscare’s vision is a society where every person can fulfil their potential — but rising demand means additional support is urgently needed. Our Food and Support service receives limited statutory funding, and we rely on public donations and philanthropy to meet the current high demand.
Any donation — large or small — will help families in crisis this Christmas.
Your contribution will provide food, stability, and pathways toward independence for those who need it most.
To donate, please visit www.crosscare.ie or call 01-8360011.
Real People. Real Impact.
Mary’s Story
Mary, a mother of four, was working full-time but still could not keep up with rising costs. The family had fallen into rent arrears, and her partner had been out of work for a long time. With her eldest preparing for college, Mary felt overwhelmed.
Through Crosscare:
- The family secured medical cards, reducing healthcare costs.
- Mary’s partner accessed return-to-work schemes and welfare supports.
- Crosscare helped negotiate a revised rent repayment plan, preventing homelessness.
- Mary’s daughter received guidance from the Youth Information Service, enabling her to access college supports.
- Meal-planning and budgeting workshops helped stabilise the family’s finances.
With sustained support, Mary and her family regained stability and no longer need food support. They now look to the future with confidence.
