Based at St Cuthbert's Day Centre (west London), the organisation provides rough sleepers, the homeless and people struggling with their mental health three-course meals made from surplus food donations.
It also offers group support sessions, counselling, and facilities for people to wash themselves and their clothes.
As part of its efforts, Elior said it is “encouraging colleagues to take paid leave and volunteer their services working front of house or in the Refettorio Felix kitchen.”
It has also hosted a number of lunches where senior colleagues have made some ‘very generous’ donations, but its ‘biggest impact,’ the caterer claims, has come from Elior ‘using its influence with suppliers.’
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) manager for Elior UK, Charlotte Wright, explained: “Thriving people and communities is one of the four pillars of Elior’s CSR strategy, so Refettorio Felix is a natural fit for us.
“It really does feed body and soul, giving people the support they need to flourish. However, we’re also committed to achieving zero food waste by 2025.
“We’re making good progress, which means we actually have very little surplus food to donate. But we’ve found other ways to support Refettorio Felix. It’s such a fantastic initiative and we just had to find a way to get involved.
“Our suppliers have really stepped up to answer the call, offering everything from carrots and parsnips for Christmas dinner right through to the latest kitchen equipment.
“Bunzl Lockhart in particular has been absolutely fantastic, and recently donated every single thing on the project’s hospitality equipment wish-list. The tableware, cutlery, glassware – everything.”
Patricia Biggers, Refettorio Felix and St. Cuthbert’s Centre trustee (who introduced Elior to the organisation), added: “My first connection with Elior was with Elior group in Paris, in my capacity as a portfolio manager.
“I remember being struck by its deeply held commitment to CSR, which we share. I noted Elior UK was doing outstanding work in this regard and was promptly introduced to Charlotte, who was instantly enamoured with the work Refettorio Felix does.
“She has become a hugely valuable asset to the project - galvanizing much needed support, for which I’m extremely grateful.”