Launch Foods feeds 40,000 free meals to Glasgow’s children with the help of Skypark
Appeal launched for trades help for Launch Coffee Shop
Launch Foods a community interest company that is changing to become a charity, has announced that in just 38 weeks it has provided 40,000 free meals to feed Glasgow’s primary school children that need it most, with the support of some big brands including Skypark, one of Scotland’s premier business locations in Glasgow, that has provided accommodation for food preparation at the business destination.
Launch Foods is appealing to tradesmen to donate an hour of practical help to get its Launch Coffee Shop in Bothwell Street up and running.
The Launch Food truck is providing in excess of 300 meals a day to primary school children, operating 365 days a year. As well as providing for children during term time, Launch Foods works alongside Achieve More during school holidays to provide children with their lunches.
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.”
Surplus food is obtained from food suppliers from which Launch creates 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.
Skypark’s Strategic Lettings Advisor, Angela Higgins of Resonance Capital said: “Hermes Investment Management have kindly allowed Skypark to donate space to Launch Foods to provide practical support to get the organisation up and running and we are working on including them within our community fundraising efforts with a Launch breakfast service for tenants coming soon. We would encourage our tenants to get behind Launch that is doing so much to feed Glasgow’s children.”
Stephen Ellis, Senior Asset Manager at Hermes Investment Management, the £33.5 billion fund manager behind Skypark, added: “Hermes Investment Management are happy to be a part of this fundamental service which helps ensure children in Glasgow have a healthy meal, even during the school holidays.”
If anyone feels they would like 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 get in touch by emailing: craig@launchfoods.org.
Visit www.launchfoods.org to see who is involved.
To donate directly to Launch Foods and help to feed Glasgow’s children please visit their Go Fund Me page HERE.
GLASGOW TOOL LIBRARY APPEAL FOR TOOL DONATIONS
Skypark, one of Scotland’s premier business locations based in Glasgow, is launching the city’s first dedicated tool library and from 12-16th August is calling for donations of tools, as well as new members to join the initiative. Anyone from a gardener or an artist, to a new homeowner or trades worker, can sign up to access a range of tools without having to purchase them.
The Glasgow Tool Library, a social enterprise based at Civic House in Glasgow, is interested in designing cities differently, by using technology to embrace the sharing economy and to challenge the unsustainable relationship between use and ownership. Through Skypark’s Curatorial Fellowship 2019 with The Glasgow School of Art, the Glasgow Tool Library has teamed up with Skypark to make an appeal to the public and tenants for unwanted tools so as they can be given a new lease of life.
Chris Strachan, a founder of the Library, said: “Glasgow Tool Library works like a normal library, but instead of sharing books we share tools, for a small annual membership donation. Becoming a member of the tool library whether you are a gardener, new homeowner, artist or trades worker – can save you money and provide you with access to hundreds of tools.
“We want to challenge the perception of value and build a sustainable economy based on collaboration, inclusivity and sharing. We collect tools from those that no longer use them, repair and care for them and save them going straight to landfill. We also hold talks, workshops and events on topics such as DIY, the sharing and circular economy and sustainability. Our appeal for tools with Skypark is to challenge thinking and encourage people to make something new from unwanted items.”
The website – through which tools can be booked – is launching soon, and tool donations can be dropped off at Skypark reception. To find out more about membership with the library, please get in touch by contacting hello@glasgowtoollibrary.com.
Skypark’s Strategic Lettings Advisor, Angela Higgins of Resonance Capital said: “The Glasgow Tool Library’s appeal will run at Skypark on Friday 16th August, following its introduction to Skypark through ‘Strange Weather,’ a curatorial programme by Rosie O’Grady, that places environmental values at its core. The project is the first of four this summer within Skypark’s Curatorial Fellowship 2019 with The Glasgow School of Art to nurture artistic talent.”
Stephen Ellis, Senior Asset Manager, Hermes Investment Management, the £34.1 billion fund manager behind Skypark, added: “We’re proud to be involved with the launch of Glasgow’s first tool library, a brilliant project that not only provides a useful service but also looks to encourage inclusivity within the local community.”