Staff at Edinburgh Airport have voted for The Larder to become the airport’s corporate charity of the year for 2022.

The Larder is based in West Lothian and works to provide training for young people around issues such as employability, health, wellbeing and life skills, as well as learning how to cook and using food as a way to promote social change.

The social enterprise provides direct work experience for young people within its cafes, which also provide nutritious and affordable food for people within local communities.

The Larder was one of more than 50 charities and organisations that applied to become the airport’s charity partner for 2022, eventually coming out on top of a staff vote. The criteria for 2022 was changed to align with the airport’s Greater Good sustainability strategy and partner with a group supporting one or more of the key pillars in the strategy:

• Zero Carbon – charities who are working to mitigate and reduce the impacts of climate change
• Enhancing Scotland – charities playing their part in managing environmental impacts such as water consumption, waste generation and improved re-use and recycling
• Scotland’s Best Business – charities supporting people into employment or providing community mental and physical health and wellbeing initiatives
• Trusted Neighbour – charities carrying out essential and vital work in our local communities

Gordon Robertson, Director of Communications and Sustainability at Edinburgh Airport said:

“We know the pandemic has created many issues for many people and industries but it has been some of the most vulnerable people in our communities that have been hit hardest and the charities that have continued to serve and support their local areas deserve enormous praise and gratitude.

“We are incredibly fortunate to be working with The Larder, a social enterprise that has such a positive impact in the areas it operates in and on the lives of the people it helps. We want to do what we can to help raise awareness of their work, raise vital funding and allow us to learn from each other. I know our people at Edinburgh Airport are looking forward to our work together – a feast of opportunities awaits!”

Angela Moohan, CEO, The Larder, said:

“We are absolutely delighted and honoured to have been chosen, and are so thankful for all of the staff at Edinburgh Airport who voted for us to be their Charity of the Year. We know that The Larder changes lives for many, and this accolade pays tribute to the hard work and dedication of our amazing team of staff and volunteers.

“This recognition, along with the feedback that we get from the people that we support, tells us that we are doing the right things at this very challenging time. We would be unable to do any of our work without the support of our partners and we are very excited to enter into this new partnership with Edinburgh Airport.”