The Launch Foods truck is currently providing in excess of 300 meals a day to primary school children, and operates 365 days a year, both during term time and also school holidays, working in partnership with Achieve More. 

The initiative is supported by major organisations including Glasgow business location Skypark, which has provided accommodation for food preparation.

The charity is now appealing to trades people to donate an hour of practical assistance to complete the fit out of the Launch Coffee Shop in Bothwell Street. The coffee shop will generate important income to support the work of Launch Foods. 

Craig Johnson, who runs Launch, said: “We’ve achieved a lot in 38 weeks thanks to Hermes Investment Management at Skypark for our donated unit, alongside support from Brakes Group, Simon Howie Foods, Highland Spring, Braehead Foods, SEC and IKEA. They are all helping to feed Glasgow’s children.

“Every day hunger is a massive issue for children and families in many areas of Glasgow. Launch sets out to solve the issue of food surplus going to waste, throughout the year including school holidays to try to plug the gap. Every day, children spend their evenings hungry without a proper meal and the situation gets worse over summer with the absence of school meals. Meanwhile, food producers throw away surplus food and now we’re connecting the two working with big brands to change this.”

Launch Food obtains surplus food from suppliers to create a menu of delicious treats that children love. Scottish children were consulted on the types of food they would like to eat, and all food on the menu is healthy, packed with (sneakily hidden) vegetables, and is low in fat and salt.  Launch makes healthy ketchup and all of the packaging is compostable and biodegradable.

To contribute to feed children in Glasgow by either fundraising or giving an hour of practical or trades help with the fit out of Launch Coffee, please email craig@launchfoods.org.

To donate directly to Launch Foods and help to feed Glasgow’s children please visit here.