HOMELESSNESS charity Social Bite is set to make its first move into the UK education sector in a pioneering coffee shop partnership with Matthew Algie.
The milestone move launches for the 2024/25 academic year, and will see new cafes open in universities and colleges across the UK, with around 10% of profits from coffee sold donated to the charity and social enterprise’s ongoing work to end homelessness.
The new Social Bite branded cafes will serve Matthew Algie’s Elevator blend, specially selected for the partnership, with every cup sold supporting people experiencing homelessness. Social Bite’s Pay It Forward system will also be in place.
Matthew Algie is already in talks with several universities and colleges looking to be the first to open a Social Bite cafe.
The new initiative will be unveiled at the 2024 TUCO Summer Conference at the University of Exeter between July 29-31.
Social Bite has hailed the significance of a presence in the UK education landscape, and universities in particular, especially given the strong support for their cause in the student population.
Mel Swan, commercial director at Social Bite, said the organisation and partner charities can help the growing number of students experiencing homelessness out of their situation and into new beginnings, equipping people with the support and skills they need to navigate a complex situation.
She said: “This collaboration with Matthew Algie will help us drive awareness around the issues and raise funds to accelerate our work with people affected by homelessness, whether that’s a meal, supported employment, or a safe place to call home. Matthew Algie has a great relationship with many large universities and colleges across the country, and we’re over the moon that we can join forces.
“Change can start with a great cup of coffee and it has the power to unlock so much more. We can’t wait to bring the project to life.”
Raj Juneja, Head of Education at Matthew Algie, said: “This is the next exciting step in our partnership with Social Bite, and we are proud to support the charity’s incredible work to support people experiencing homelessness.
“Every cup of Elevator coffee sold will help provide people experiencing homelessness with the opportunity to ‘elevate’ their own lives. We hope to bring the brand to our large network of cafes throughout the UK education system, helping raise awareness amongst a key audience while generating funds for the Social Bite cause.
“Supporting Social Bite in its work towards ending homelessness means a huge amount to Matthew Algie and there are many more exciting plans in the pipeline.”
Matthew Algie, the top ranked TUCO supplier, is one of the UK and Ireland’s premier coffee suppliers to the education sector, providing coffee, equipment, and training to hundreds universities, colleges, and schools.
Established over 160 years ago, Glasgow based coffee roaster Matthew Algie supplies high-quality coffee to partners across Scotland, the UK, and Ireland.
People can pay it forward at every one of Social Bite’s locations to help someone experiencing homelessness. You can also Pay It Forward online at social-bite.co.uk/what-we-do/our-shops/pay-it-forward/
For more information visit matthewalgie.com.