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Catalyst Kitchen was designed to disrupt the national answer to food insecurity, an answer which provides no choice, no control and no dignity. This project supports our community through pop-up dining experiences, community 'Cook and Dine' classes and the delivery of quality cooked and chilled meals delivered to doors and community pantries. Catalyst Kitchen has and continues to be described as “a lifeline”, “revolutionary”, “invaluable”, “life-changing”.
We envision a community with access to good quality, nutritious food. A community, where no one needs to worry when their next meal is coming. We, at The Larder, understand the significance of food insecurity in Scotland and are committed to making stronger, healthier solutions. We create social change through food. We create change for the community, lead by the community.
When the pandemic hit in March 2020 and face-to-face dining experiences were no longer able to be held, Catalyst Kitchen quickly pivoted services to the delivery of freshly cooked, chilled meals; launched 3rd of April 2020.
Food made by The Larder chefs, and where possible, supported by young people in training is distributed by a team of volunteers on a weekly basis either directly to beneficiaries’ doors or to local pick-up points based in partnership organisations.
Since launch, we have delivered over 130,000 meals to over 800 beneficiaries.
Our Catalyst Kitchen dining experiences are available to referred individuals experiencing food insecurity and provide a hot meal in a social environment. These experiences reduce isolation and poverty within our community as well as creating access to quality food in a dignified way. Young chefs in training, supported by The Larder’s chefs, cook and serve all meals for our dining experiences. This provides work experience for the young trainees as well as improving community cohesion and access to socialisation.
Our experiences take place on Wednesdays from 4:00-5:30pm at our cafe in Strathbrock Partnership Centre in Broxburn.
Have you lost your love for food, or love food but don’t know how to cook?
Join Catalyst Kitchen and cook up a storm with our Cook and Dine classes. These classes are free to those who are experiencing food insecurity; meaning limited access to food as a result of personal, financial or health issues.
The Larder’s talented chefs will coach you through preparation, cooking skills, food planning and budgeting whilst making delicious meals from scratch. After the class, you will join your fellow classmates for a sit-down meal cooked with your own hands!
The Larder chefs will guide you through this three-hour class, leaving you with new confidence and skills to take home; along with the recipes you have been cooking!
In order for us to help you, you will need a referral form completed by one of the professional services we work alongside listed below. Alternatively, you can contact us directly on 01506 412 819.
• Social Work
• Advice Shop
• Homelessness Organisations
• Youth Services
• Police Scotland
• Criminal Justice Service
• West Lothian Schools
• NHS Lothian
• Mental Health Advocacy Project
• Change, Grow, live West Lothian Recovery Service
• Blackburn Family Centre
• Domestic and sexual Assault Team
• Housing First/Cyrenians
