Rotterdam’s Lunch Bunch raises €565K to combine sustainable catering with inclusive employment

Rotterdam-based Lunch Bunch, a social lunch caterer for businesses, has raised €565K from Social Impact Fonds Rotterdam (SIF Rotterdam) and Impact Fonds Duurzame Voedselketen Rotterdam.

The funding will help the company expand its reach across Rotterdam and prepare for entry into The Hague.

Furthermore, the company announced a collaboration between SIF Rotterdam and Generous Minds to support impact entrepreneurs by providing both expertise and capital, enhancing their chances of success.

‘’What makes Generous Minds special is that they truly stand alongside you as an entrepreneur and help you make your goals clear and achievable. Thanks to their support, we have a better idea of where we want to go, how to get there, and we have found the necessary capital to realise our dream,” says Robin Achterkamp, founder of Lunch Bunch.

Lunch Bunch: Turning personal struggles into a mission

Lunch Bunch was founded in 2022 in Rotterdam by Robin Achterkamp, who turned his personal struggles with mental health and exclusion from the job market into a mission to create opportunities for others.

The Dutch company provides high-quality and sustainable catering solutions to businesses. Lunch Bunch also helps people reintegrate into the job market with personalised support.

Despite a tight labour market, Rotterdam still has over 42,700 people on welfare on a population of 623.652 inhabitants (UWV, 2023), says the company in a LinkedIn post.

“Many are talented and motivated, but ineffective reintegration programs leave potential untapped,” says the company.

Lunch Bunch aims to change this by offering real guidance, helping people build sustainable careers while contributing to the social responsibility of the Municipality of Rotterdam.

Lunch Bunch’s previous developments

In 2023, the company opened production facilities in Feijenoord and at the Van Nelle Factory, allowing it to serve a growing number of companies across Rotterdam.

In 2024, Robin connected with Generous Minds after a Bakkie Impact Rotterdam session.

The organisation recognised Lunch Bunch’s potential and conducted a Covestment assessment to enhance its financial structure, legal framework, and growth strategy.

This cooperation prepared Lunch Bunch for investment, resulting in access to funds like the Social Impact Fonds Rotterdam (SIF Rotterdam).

The company plans to grow in Rotterdam in 2025 and open in The Hague in 2026.

Each new location will provide more jobs and training for people with anxiety and depression, as well as young adults from special education programs.