Production Kitchen in Sandnes

More people are struggling with food insecurity and exclusion from working life. Through support for the Production Kitchen in Sandnes, Kavli Trust helps reduce food waste, tackle food poverty, and create new pathways into employment for people in vulnerable life situations.

The Production Kitchen in Sandnes is one of Norway’s largest and most modern non-profit production kitchens, established by Kirkens Bymisjon. The project addresses several pressing societal challenges at once: rising food insecurity, growing social exclusion from the labour market, and large-scale food waste.

At the kitchen, surplus food that would otherwise be discarded is transformed into nutritious, ready-made meals and distributed free of charge to people experiencing economic hardship across southern and western Norway.

At the same time, the kitchen serves as an arena for work inclusion. Young adults who are outside employment or education are offered tailored work training, skills development and hands-on experience, in close collaboration with NAV and private-sector partners. The goal is clear: to help participants move into ordinary employment or education.

The project combines environmental responsibility, social inclusion and public health — reducing waste, strengthening dignity, and opening doors to working life.

What the grant from the Kavli Trust supports

The grant from Kavlifondet contributes to the establishment and operation of the Production Kitchen in Sandnes. This includes:

• Scaling up the production of nutritious meals made from surplus food
• Strengthening work training programmes for young adults outside work and education
• Building a sustainable model that reduces food waste while creating lasting social impact

About Kirkens Bymisjon

• A nationwide, non-profit organisation established in 1855
• Works to ensure that all people are met with respect, justice and care
• Provides services related to poverty reduction, mental health, substance abuse support and work inclusion
• Uses food as a tool to create dignity, community and social support
• Has extensive experience in work training and inclusive employment initiatives

About Matsentralen (Food bank)

• A non-profit organisation working to reduce food waste and combat food poverty
• Collects surplus food from producers, wholesalers and retailers
• Redistributes food free of charge to charities and social initiatives
• Operates a nationwide network of food redistribution centres
• A key partner in building a more sustainable and equitable food system