Lunch Bunch, a social catering company in the Netherlands, secured over €565,000 in funding from SIF and IFDV to scale operations and create more inclusive job opportunities.

Target Information

Lunch Bunch is a social catering company dedicated to creating an inclusive job market while promoting a sustainable food chain. Founded in 2022, their mission, "Bread on the Table for Everyone," focuses on providing employment opportunities to individuals previously overlooked by the labor market due to issues such as mental health challenges or traumatic backgrounds. The company not only prepares lunches for businesses but also provides catering solutions using sustainable packaging materials and locally sourced ingredients. Delivery is conducted through eco-friendly transportation methods, embodying their commitment to developing a fair and future-proof food system.

Since its inception, Lunch Bunch has successfully created over 25 paid jobs, trained more than 30 young people, and produced 80,000 sandwiches for the Dutch corporate sector, resulting in approximately €453,260 in savings on unemployment benefits. The company boasts a significantly lower recidivism rate compared to traditional solutions in the market, thereby providing a cost-effective alternative for municipalities and the Dutch Employee Insurance Agency (UWV). Lunch Bunch aims to create 100 paid positions within the next five years.

Industry Overview in the Netherlands

The Netherlands has been increasingly supportive of social enterprises, particularly in the food sector, reflecting a growing desire for sustainable and socially responsible business models. These companies often align with societal goals to address unemployment a