Duhallow Community Food Services - 25 Years

Duhallow Community Food Services

DCFS Manager Orlaith Tomkins Orlaith Tomkins has been manager of DCFS since 2008. She is responsible for managing the daily operations throughout the business. She holds a degree from GMIT in Hotel & Catering Management and attained the IMCV Professional Manager and Management of Food Hygiene awards. Prior to working for DCFS Orlaith spent many years working in the hotel industry both in Ireland and abroad. The services offered by DCFS have grown and expanded greatly throughout the years. Catering for the very young to our most senior citizens.

Rural Meals Service

The rural meals service is at the heart of the operation in DCFS, and that was never more evident than in the past year. In 2020 DCFS produced and delivered over 40,000 meals, to senior citizens and those not in a position to cook for themselves throughout the Duhallow Area. For a number of months, the entire facility was devoted to the production of meals for delivery to the elderly who were isolating on public health advice, with a real fear of contracting COVID-19 if they ventured out. The ability to adapt to the needs of the customers was critical at this time. The design of the building allowed for staff to work at safe distances from each other to observe social distancing rules, providing a safe working environment for the team. It was always appreciated that the service is a vital source of social contact and connectivity for many older people who are vulnerable to social exclusion and social isolation, again over this time this need was magnified. Drivers following all health protocol were sure to have a kind word with clients every day.

Customers can avail of home delivery Monday to Friday, collect or dine in our restaurant (restrictions permitting) with plenty of options available. Telephone 029 76375, and a person will be added to the delivery schedule, special diets are also catered. Now more than ever the role of the meals on wheels ’ service is extremely important in society and in ensuring our senior people are well looked after.

Ever since opening the doors in 1994 DCFS has engaged in commercial activity to offset the cost associated with production and distribution of the meals. While DCFS receives funding for staffing and some running costs from `Pobal /CSP, a grant from the HSE there is still is large deficit to make up. Finances have come increasingly difficult in current times. In line with Government measures commercial activity was very limited throughout 2020 and early 2021.

Restaurant/Deli/Bakery/Outside Catering

Our Restaurant/Deli on site serves a large selection of food to takeaway or eat in. Larger quantities can be pre ordered and ready for collection. Our senior menu is available for €8.00 for a dinner and dessert each week day also. A full brochure is available detailing savoury and sweet options. All food is prepared in house and made from scratch.

Catering for Children and Students

DCFS caters for children from babies to leaving cert students, their carers and teachers in various facilities throughout Duhallow. Our clients include Boherbue Comprehensive School, Colaiste Treasa in Kanturk, Newmarket Afterschools and Banteer Childcare Facility. All food is prepared daily in our premises in Newmarket using with only the freshest ingredients, no preservatives or colours are added. The facilities have healthy eating policies and DCFS works in parallel with the staff to ensure standards are upheld.

Governance and staffing

The company is managed by a board of 18 voluntary directors who give generously of their time and expertise. The board has continued to meet online monthly throughout COVID to oversee operations of the company. We are also fortunate to have a long serving dedicated staff. Orlaith together with a team of supervisors (Administration; Olive Casey, Transport and Distribution; Neily O’Flynn, Kitchen; Sheila Lane, School Catering; Mary O Connell, and Restaurant; Sheila McCarthy) are committed to the philosophy and beliefs of DCFS to provide a quality product and service to all our customers. The team must also be commended for their flexible attitude in changing working patterns to ensure the continuation of the meals service through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Aidan Creedon loading his van in preparation for the meals delivery

Craig Hurley and Aaron Coleman discussing the plan of action for the day in the kitchen Geraldine Cronin preparing an order for outside catering in the bakery and treats for the restaurant.

Delivery drivers with transport supervisor Neily O Flynn