NEW MARKET: A new food market with a difference has been launched in Killarney. Pictured were: Alice Thompson with Tom and Catriona Kennedy. Photo: Michelle Crean

By Michelle Crean

Business owners hit hard by COVID this year have done a pivot and branched into an area which is benefiting them and local food producers.

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Tom Kennedy who works in golf and sightseeing tours, Philip O'Callaghan of O'Callaghan Coaches, Tom's wife Catriona and Tom's business partner Alice Thompson, have set up a local branch of Neighbourhood Food Market - a click and collect service which benefits both food producers and their customers.

A new way to shop and eat - www.neighbourfood.ie is all about serving the customer directly, supporting local food producers and zero waste.

With producers experiencing a reduction in sales due to the closure of food markets and businesses such as hotel and B&Bs in towns and villages across the country, the new group is helping them to serve their customers by delivering exactly what they order online at one location and on a specific date.

Products come direct from local farms, local food producers, local market traders and specialist suppliers and include vegetables, fruit, meat, eggs, seaweed products, dairy products, preserves, breads and more.

In Killarney pick up is each Thursday from 4-6pm from The Yard at O'Callaghan Coaches.

Customers can go online www.neighbourfood.ie click the Killarney market and order from each producer directly before midnight Tuesday, Tom Kennedy explained.

"That gives the producers the time on Wednesday to prepare their products and drop them off on Thursday between 12 and 2pm. Customers then come and collect them in the afternoon. And there's zero waste for the producers as they are making exactly what was ordered. You can't drop in and buy, it's all ordered online beforehand. It's been great for community spirit as well."