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 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”.
Catalyst Kitchen served 100,000 meals throughout the pandemic to those experiencing hunger in our West Lothian community.
Recent developments at The Larder launched our brand new Catalyst kitchen built and commissioned in April 2020 enabling us to continue to provide access to good quality hot food in our community. Catalyst Kitchen has served over 75,000 meals to those in need across West Lothian during the Covid 19 pandemic.
The food is freshly made by The Larder chefs and distributed, with partner and volunteers to support those who are experiencing food insecurity or isolated.
Our home cooked fresh meals are a vital first step in helping people to a better future. Our project offers weekly dining experiences in a variety of community locations for individual and families. We offer choice, dignity and a chance to socialise.
Our beneficiaries appreciate the sincere attentiveness our staff and volunteers give them helping to reduce their isolation and loneliness. The work has all been made possible through the generous support of caring partners, staff and volunteers.
As we are committed to helping people take positive steps to change their situation, in January 2021 Catalyst kitchen will be providing culinary skills training programs, enabling individuals on low income a way to gain qualifications, skills and a wraparound service they need to reach their full potential in life and work. All programs will be needs led to the individual’s desires.
A full list of training options and dates will be available soon.
For an application form or to discuss your training needs please contact debbie@thelarder.org
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 direct to complete the referral form 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
