Charity dining space reopens to offer social support

Cork Penny Dinners has reintroduced its sit-down service, welcoming service users back inside the city charity where the team has been serving 500 takeaway meals a day since moving to the new James Street Croí na Laoí centre last year.

The service started operating the takeaway system in 2020 at its former Little Hanover Street centre due to Covid restrictions but says it can now cater for up to 50 people inside at any one time. 

Initially, the sit-in service, which restarted on April 1st, will operate from Monday to Friday from 9am to 1pm and the centre will also continue operating its takeaway service for a number of weeks, while service users and the charity adjusts to the new system. 

“We are very pleased to be able to welcome service users back into the dining space after several years of operating takeaway services,” says General Manager of Cork Penny Dinners, Sharon Murphy.

“A sit-down meal here provides much more than just nutritious food. It offers dignity, connection, and a sense of community. For many service users it may be one of the few opportunities they have during the day to sit in a warm, safe space and share a meal with others,” she says, adding that there is a warm, positive energy since the service started this week.

”Being able to eat in the safety and comfort of the centre means people can take a moment to relax without feeling rushed or exposed to the elements. It has created that welcoming and respectful environment that we want for them, where people can feel supported and valued.”

Sharon says that the charity was eager to welcome people back inside, to provide community and warmth, values in which the charity was founded upon.

“We do expect that some people who may not have used the takeaway service may return once the sit-down option becomes available again. A warm, welcoming environment can encourage people who may feel isolated to come in and connect with the service.

“We would encourage people who need a hot meal to arrive during the service time and follow the guidance of staff and volunteers to ensure the service runs smoothly for everyone,” she says.

The charity is supported by around 30 volunteers across the range of services, from food preparation and service, to administration and outreach. 

“We are always grateful for more volunteers,” she says. “With the return of sit down meals, we particularly welcome volunteers who can help with serving meals, welcoming guests, and creating a friendly and social atmosphere in the dining area.”

Sharon says she and the team at Cork Penny Dinners were grateful to be able to restore the service which offered dignity, connection and a sense of community for the people they support. 

“A warm meal is essential but being able to sit down, feel welcomed and share a space with others brings a human connection that simply can’t be replaced. It’s incredibly meaningful to know that people can once more experience that sense of belonging. That’s what Cork Penny Dinners has always been about, not just feeding people but making sure they feel seen, respected, and part of the community.

“This return to our new system is about so much more than food. It’s about dignity, community, and a warm welcome for everyone who walks through our doors. We want to sincerely thank the people of Cork for their continued kindness and support. Your generosity makes it possible for us to provide a place at the table for those that need it most,” she says.

People interested in registering as a volunteer can log onto the charity’s website corkpennydinners.org.

For official updates, information and opportunities to engage with Cork Penny Dinners, visit and follow the charity’s official social media channels: 

Facebook & TikTok @corkpennydinnersofficial and Instagram @corkpennydinners