The EICC has partnered with Empty Kitchens, Full Hearts, to provide supplies of food to the social enterprise who convert food donations into meals for people in need. Empty Kitchens, Full Hearts was set up earlier this year as a volunteer movement to respond to the Covid-19 crisis, taking food donations, turning them into breakfasts, lunches and dinners, before packaging and delivering the “day packs” across Edinburgh free of charge.
As well as providing food from its kitchens, the EICC team is sourcing toiletries, tins and providing volunteers from the venue team for the social enterprise run by founder Lewis MacLachlan.
Lewis MacLachlan, Founder, Empty Kitchens, Full Hearts said: “I gladly welcome EICC into the Empty Kitchens, Full Hearts Movement and I hope that we can continue to support each other, and the great citizens of Scotland, while we try to rebuild our industry. Our diverse yet united supporters are very much our strength.”
Marshall Dallas, EICC CEO, said: “Supporting social impact initiatives across our community is something we’re really passionate about, and we believe we have a responsibility to give back whenever we can. Homelessness and food poverty initiatives are two areas we have strongly supported over the last few years, Covid-19 has exacerbated so many societal issues and we’re proud to be working with Lewis and the Empty Kitchens, Full Hearts team, especially at this time of year which can be even more difficult for so many.”
Lord Provost Frank Ross said: “This is a fantastic initiative and my thanks to all the staff at EICC for supporting this. It was my pleasure to visit Empty Kitchens, Full Hearts last month where I met the team of volunteers and saw the preparation and distribution of over 750 whole day meal packs to those facing food security challenges across our city. Their work and dedication is highly valued and this contribution from the EICC of toiletries, tins and the time of their staff is invaluable. I’m sure their collective efforts will assist our most vulnerable and improve their wellbeing and is significantly appreciated by recipients, their wider family and friends.”
Photo: Empty Kitchens, Full Hearts