Food Matters - The heart and soul of The Larder

Food Matters: Transforming Lives Through the Power of Food

At The Larder, food is far more than just sustenance—it’s a powerful catalyst for tackling poverty, empowering individuals, and transforming communities. Our passion for food fuels every aspect of our work, from our innovative training programmes to our impactful community initiatives. We believe that by providing access to good, nutritious food, we can create lasting change and build a more equitable future for everyone.

Tackling Poverty, Empowering Individuals, Transforming Communities

Food is central to our mission because it connects us to each other and the world around us. In Scotland, many face barriers to accessing healthy, affordable food, leading to a cycle of poor health, limited opportunities, and persistent poverty. At The Larder, we use food as a tool to break this cycle. Through our work, we aim to:

  • Combat Food Poverty: We’re committed to ensuring that everyone has access to nutritious meals, regardless of their circumstances. Our Catalyst Kitchen and community shops offer affordable, high-quality food to those who need it most, fostering dignity and hope.
  • Promote Health and Wellbeing: A balanced diet is crucial for both physical and mental health. We focus on delivering wholesome meals that not only nourish but also support overall well-being.
  • Build Skills and Confidence: Our cafes, bakery, and training programs provide hands-on experience, helping people develop essential skills, gain confidence, and secure meaningful employment opportunities.
  • Strengthen Communities: Food has the unique ability to bring people together. We create welcoming spaces where individuals can connect, learn, and support one another, building stronger, more resilient communities.

What Good Food Means at The Larder

Good food at The Larder is about more than taste—it’s about nourishment, sustainability, and community. All of our food is made from scratch and is fresh every day, aiming to reduce food waste and promote sustainable practices. Good food is the foundation of our mission, supporting better health outcomes and empowering people to live fuller lives.

Linking to Our Initiatives

Our commitment to good food is reflected across all our initiatives, click on each heading for more information:

  • Catalyst Kitchen: Providing dignified, nutritious meals to those in need, ensuring everyone has access to good food.
  • Bakery and Cafes: More than just places to eat, these are training grounds where people gain valuable skills and confidence, setting them on the path to a brighter future and serving fresh bakery products and food made from scratch each day.
  • Catering Services: Freshly made sweet and savoury products made from scratch each and offered to individuals and businesses.

Join Us in Making Food Matter

Food matters to us because it matters to everyone. It’s a vital part of our lives, our health, and our communities. At The Larder, we’re dedicated to making food a force for good. Whether through our training programs, community initiatives, or our bakery and cafes, we’re working to ensure that food is a source of nourishment, empowerment, and connection for all.  

We invite you to join us in making food a force for change

The Larder Bakery, Cafe and Cook School

The Larder Bakery, Cafe and Cook School

Unit 6 B2 Brewster Square, Brucefield Industrial Estate, Livingston EH54 9BJ

Opening times:

Monday-Saturday
8:30am - 2:00pm

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Café @ Blackburn

Café @ Blackburn

Sycamore Walk, Blackburn, EH47 7LG

Opening times:

Monday-Friday
8:30am - 2:00pm

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Café @ Strathbrock

Café @ Strathbrock

189A West Main Street, Broxburn, EH52 5LH

Opening times:

Monday-Friday
8:30am - 2:00pm

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