GRUB is a gift as GAA club helps feed the isolated

A CARVERY based in Cabra GAA club Naomh Finbarra has been delivering dinners and groceries to people in isolation – and using social media to spread the word.

Carl Turner took the reins of GRUB five months ago and has seen it through a change in its role that he could hardly have expected.

“I took over the carvery five months ago as I saw there was a gap in the market for the delivery of carvery dinners. My first task was to get the right amount of staff, Matt is the head chef and then there’s nine others who work there too. There are currently six people who are working during this pandemic.

“I had to start off by building bridges in the local community in order to maintain my customer base and to also gain more customers. The idea has taken off way better than I’d ever imagined and we are currently in the process of extending the radius of our delivery area.

“I am thrilled that Naomh Finbarra have come on board with us as we use their clubhouse as our main hub for GRUB. I am a member of the football team myself and it’s great to see them giving back the support which I have shown in them over the last couple of years.

“The main priority for these deliveries are for the Old Age Pensioners and the people who are vulnerable in our society who may be unable to cook their own carvery dinner. We have also started to take on shopping trips too to ensure we can give our customers as much as possible without them having to leave the comfort of their own home.

“We’ve had a strong showing of support from local businesses who are committed in helping us in every way. Many businessesb  have donated money so that it can be used on ingredients and other products. We are also providing food drop-offs on Sunday’s so that people can donate any food that they wish to. These drop-offs comply with the HSE guidelines in regards to social distancing.

“We have begun to take pre-orders through our website GRUB Dublin and as well as this we are looking into a drive-thru service for our customers. There is a phone service which is especially for OAPs, they can order through 085 783 2533, anyone else who wishes to order must do so through the website.”