The government’s distribution of free cheese for people in need began on Monday.
QK Stores in Carroll’s Cross, Kilmacthomas is one of only five national locations where the cheese is available for collection.
The facility is storing the cheese for pickup by charitable organisations that have been issued with a permit for collection.
The scheme, which is funded by the European Commission, was announced by Minister for Agriculture Brendan Smith at the beginning of the month.
The government, who has provided free cheese in the past, was given more than €800,000 from the EU budget for the scheme, with the Irish Dairy Board awarded the tender to supply the cheese.
QK Stores, who have stocked cheese for collection by charities for many years, say there hasn’t been a significantly bigger interest in availing of the free cheese this year.
Fifty three tonnes of the cheese has been distributed to the five storage locations in time for Christmas.
Permits provide for a collection of a minimum of one 12 x 1kg sized box of cheese.
Minister Smith believes the scheme is an important means of contributing towards the well-being of deprived people in Irish society.
“I am very conscious that many people find themselves in difficult circumstances at present and I want to commend the work of the many charitable organisations who are working on the frontline to bring what comfort and relief they can. I am glad to be able to help their work in such a practical way,” he said.
Along with Carroll’s Cross, the cheese is available in Cork at Cobh and Togher, in the Midlands at Portlaoise, and in Dublin at Clondalkin.
