Calling all burger lovers: it's National Burger Day

Who doesn't love a good burger? Today is National Burger Day, but this year it's gone virtual in aid of Simon Communities around Ireland, meaning you can enjoy your burgers and make a difference at the same time.

Now in its third consecutive year, National Burger Day usually includes a competition for the best burger in Ireland. Last year, Handsome Burger in Galway took home the prize.

This year, however, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown, there will be no overall prize given and burger enthusiasts are instead encouraged to celebrate their local burger heroes – the takeaways, delivery drivers, burger manufacturers and local food producers (we're sure that also includes our amazing beef farmers) who have kept the show on the road during the pandemic, changing their businesses to ensure the safety and wellbeing of us all.

Simon Communities

Sponsored by Kepak, Flipdish and Blenders, National Burger Day will be providing one meal to Simon Communities around the country for every burger purchased, photographed and shared to social media – which is a great excuse to purchase as many delicious burgers from local businesses as you can manage.

A statement from Jennifer Kitson (national partnerships manager at Simon Communities) says that Simon Communities are delighted to be involved in this year's initiative.

"Kepak’s support of our food services around Ireland has been incredibly valuable and is needed now more than ever in these challenging and uncertain times,” it reads.

"We made the decision to move National Burger Day online this year, reflecting the current situation the foodservice industry finds itself in," says John Savage, commercial director of Kepak Food Service Solutions. "We want to celebrate and support all those involved in keeping the nation fuelled as we begin the journey into recovery from the crisis. Now, more than ever, it is important that we buy local and support those who are vulnerable in our society.”

Winner

Last year's winner, Handsome Burger in Galway, took to social media yesterday to announce their involvement in this year's initiative, saying they would be open from 5pm today and encouraging followers to get involved by purchasing a burger, or one of their DIY Burger Kits and posting a photo to social media.

"With the strange circumstances this year, it is not time for competition, but time to start having some fun while supporting those in need," the post reads.

"For every burger sold at Handsome Burger on Thursday 25/06/20 and put online with the tag #NationalBurgerDay, there will be a meal donated to the Simon Community, so make sure to get involved!"

Participating outlets will be registered on the National Burger Day website.