Galway-based social enterprise project, Meals4Health, has been announced as one of the eight successful awardees of this year’s €1.6 million Social Enterprise Development Fund.
Meals4Health will not only receive a cash grant of €50,000 but also land a place on Ireland’s most prestigious Accelerator Programme for social enterprises.
Brendan McGrath, Chief Executive of Galway City Council, welcomed the news that Meals4Health is one of the eight successful awardees.
Meals4Health provides fresh, nutritionally balanced ready meals for older people in Ireland.
This investment will grow the social enterprise which will extend the availability of and access to their meals throughout Ireland.
The meals are created in accordance with best practice in clinical nutrition that addresses individual needs and supports older people with prevention and recovery from illness, the promotion of health and well-being and by helping to reduce social isolation.
Local communities are supported in looking after their older people, helping them to age well at home, and through the community partnership model they are creating opportunities for urban and rural community employment.
Deirdre Mortell, Chief Executive Officer, Social Innovation Fund Ireland said: “We believe that we’ve found amazing organisations that are already creating real change and, with the support of this new fund, will grow and reach more and more people in need of their work.
“These awardees collectively demonstrate the powerful impact social enterprises can have on every community across Ireland.”
Brendan McGrath, Chief Executive of Galway City Council, said: “Social Enterprises hold the key to creating sustainable communities across Ireland and today’s awardees are excellent examples of how social enterprises such as theirs are achieving these goals.
“We are delighted to partner with Social Innovation Fund Ireland in creating this invaluable fund and to host this inspiring event today.”
The €1.6 million fund, created by Social Innovation Fund Ireland in partnership with Local Authorities Ireland, is supported by IPB Insurance and the Department of Rural and Community Development from the Dormant Accounts Fund.
