Vegware volunteering at Empty Kitchens Full Hearts
Last week, some of the Vegware team spent time volunteering at Empty Kitchens Full Hearts, a fantastic Edinburgh-based charity that turns surplus food into nourishing meals for those in need. It was a rewarding experience, knowing that our work—chopping vegetables that would have otherwise gone to waste—would go towards providing free meals for people across the city.
Empty Kitchens Full Hearts
Founded in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Empty Kitchens Full Hearts rescues surplus food and transforms it into thousands of free meals for people facing food insecurity in Edinburgh. They rely on volunteers to help prepare, package, and distribute meals, ensuring that no food goes to waste and that no one goes hungry. Their mission is simple but powerful: providing food with dignity.
Since their inception, they’ve served millions of meals to people in need. Whether it’s fresh produce from supermarkets or surplus from local businesses, they make sure that food is put to good use rather than ending up in landfill.
Vegware volunteering
One of the great things about working at Vegware is that they offer volunteering hours to all staff, encouraging everyone to get involved in community projects. It’s not just about compostable packaging—it’s about making a real impact at a grassroots level. By partnering with charities like Empty Kitchens Full Hearts, Vegware supports local efforts to reduce waste and tackle food insecurity.
Chopping, chatting, and making a difference
Our volunteering session involved prepping a mountain of vegetables— leeks, carrots, cabbages, and more—helping to create nutritious meals that would be cooked and delivered across Edinburgh. It was a great opportunity to meet like-minded people, learn more about food waste, and play a small role in a much bigger movement.
Food insecurity is a growing issue, and seeing the scale of operations at Empty Kitchens Full Hearts was both eye-opening and inspiring. Every little bit helps, and whether it’s a few hours of chopping veg or spreading the word about their work, we can all do something to support those in need.
How to support
If you’re in Edinburgh and want to get involved, check out Empty Kitchens Full Hearts —they’re always looking for volunteers and donations to keep their incredible work going!
