A newly launched meal prep business, which is providing nutritious dishes across the whole of Ayrshire, is donating 20 per cent of orders towards men’s mental health.
Kevin Marcellino, who owns Carlinda’s Sandwich Bar on Ayr’s Main Street, and business partner Gabriel Lorimer have launched Meta Fuel to provide customers with healthy, tasty, and cost efficient meals across the region.
Kevin has opened Carlinda’s on Christmas Day two years in a row to provide a meal and warm space for the town’s homeless community, and now wants his new business to follow suit and give back to the area.
Launched at the tail end of last year, Meta Fuel dishes have been flying off the shelf, with the business now donating 20 per cent of the total price of each order to Release Ayrshire- an online men’s support service who provide confidential support and advice to men who are down, in crisis or simple need to talk.
“Men’s mental health is something that’s quite close to me,” said Kevin.
“There’s a bit of a stigma around it, and I don’t think it’s talked about enough locally.
“I wanted to pick a local charity so I could see how it helps people in the local area, instead of sending it to a big city and you don’t quite know the impact.
“We hope to raise as much money for the charity as possible, highlight the benefits of healthy eating and the links with mental health.
“Meta Fuel was started to encourage and support healthy, meaningful lifestyles. We aim to take the stress off your shoulders by providing nutritious and calorie counted meals direct from our kitchen to your door.
“Although Carlinda’s is more fry ups and rolls etc, I wanted to show everyone that there’s always time to eat right.”
Kevin added he also hopes the launch of Meta Fuel will help “shine a positive light on Ayrshire”, following shock closures of hospitality businesses in the region.
He said: “I saw a lot of places closing down recently and it’s really sad, I hate seeing that.
“These are undoubtedly hard and difficult times for us all.
“I wanted to get the word out that we’re here and we’re doing things and there’s light at the end of the tunnel.”
Visit Meta Fuel at www.metafuelmeals.com and on Facebook to order meals - including pastas, soups, burgers and more - and help support men's mental health.
Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter here
