In March 2020, we brought all of our multi-sector knowledge and experience to bear when designing a client centred response to COVID 19. We knew the scale and scope of a response that we could sustain, and knew we were not in a position, for example, to provide food parcels every week. Working closely with our in-house team who have successfully delivered Healthy Eating to community groups, we developed the ‘Family Box’ based on Safefood Ireland’s 101 Square Meal Book. Our goal was to provide a family with the majority of ingredients to make nourishing and tasty meals – all that would have to be added was fresh meat, dairy and fruit and veg. Each box contained over 50 items including a selection of herbs and spices, cider vinegar, cooking oil, soy sauce, rice, pasta, chopped tomatoes, jars of tomato sauces, curry sauces, curry paste, mayonnaise, ketchup, beans, corn, food mixes, soups, chicken and beef Bisto, tea, coffee, sugar, porridge, cereals, pasta, rice, spaghetti, fruit cordial, water, crackers, biscuits, tuna, etc.

Crucially, to build capacity and resilience as part of our COVID 19 response, we also delivered on-line cookery classes to make family meals using the ingredients provided for in the box. The on-line cookery classes proved extremely popular.