Coffee shop serves up more than 21,000 meals to vulnerable people

A COFFEE shop in Buchanan Galleries that combats homelessness has fed 21,823 meals to vulnerable people in the city in the past year.

The Social Bite, which is also a charity providing housing and employment opportunities to those in need, recently celebrated its first year of operation after having opened its doors in April 2023.

As part of its cause, the shop employs people with a background of homelessness.

The remarkable feat of serving the meals was facilitated partly through the donations it received from more than 6000 Glaswegians who engaged in the charity’s pay it forward programme.

The coffee shop offers free sit- in suppers every

Wednesday evening between 4pm and 5pm. This initiative aims to support those living in conditions of homelessness and vulnerability and provide them with the opportunity to socialise and receive help.

Mel Swan, commercial operations director at Social Bite, said: “It’s been a fantastic first year for us so far.

“The kindness of Glaswegians has really blown us away. Often, they come in and pay it forward on their way to work, even before the shop is open.

“These donations help to provide support for vulnerable people and people experiencing homelessness.”

The shop provides a diverse range of meals including fresh salads, filled bagels, artisan baking, and organic, fairtrade coffee.

The Social Bite celebrated its first anniversary with the help of one of its volunteers, Andy, who is a regular since the Glasgow coffee shop opened.

He said: “Social Bite didn’t change my life, it saved my life.

“Now I try to do the same for others.

“As a volunteer, it’s all about the people coming through the door it’s the joy that comes form the interaction and getting to know people.”

For details on how to pay it forward online, go to https:// www. socialbite. co. uk/ what- we- do/ our- shops/ pay- it- forward/.