Toastie Thursday
A simple cheese toastie has played a significant role in bridging divides of class, age, race, and perspective in an Edinburgh community, according to a minister. Over the past two and a half years, volunteers from two Church of Scotland congregations have served approximately 16,000 toasties to local secondary school students.
During a recent Time for Reflection at the Scottish Parliament, Rev. Moira McDonald highlighted how the snack has fostered connections between teenagers, shopkeepers, volunteers, and ministers. She noted that around 300 students from Craigmount High School attend the weekly 'Toastie Thursday' at Craigsbank Parish Church hall during school terms, with sittings at 12:20 pm for younger students (S1-S3) and 1:15 pm for older students (S4-S6).
The students can choose from three toastie options – cheese, cheese and ham, or cheese and pepperoni – or plain ham. For £2, they receive a toastie, a drink, a cookie or crisps, and free fruit. Initially drawing in around 50 students, the program has quickly grown in popularity, with word spreading about the affordable meal.
Speaking to MSPs, Rev McDonald asked, “Do you enjoy cheese toasties?” She referenced scientific explanations that the blend of cheese and bread offers an ideal balance of salt, sugar, and carbs, making it a satisfying snack. She continued by explaining how every Thursday, churches in Corstorphine come together to prepare and serve toasties to Craigmount High pupils.
She emphasized that Toastie Thursday is a weekly highlight for many people, including the students who appreciate the break from school, the staff who notice a calmer atmosphere, and the parents who are relieved from preparing lunches—though they do have to find £2 from the back of the sofa. For the volunteers, the project has created new friendships and a sense of community.
The project has not been without its challenges, such as blown fuses in the church hall or cookie shortages at the supermarket, but Rev McDonald said they’ve always managed to overcome these hurdles. She marvelled at the mix of teenagers, shopkeepers, school staff, volunteers, and ministers coming together, fostering positive outcomes. "Who would have thought all of this could come from a humble cheese toastie?" she reflected.
Inspired by a similar initiative at Liberton Northfield Church of Scotland called Toastie Tuesday, Rev McDonald expressed her belief that Jesus Christ would endorse such a project. She mused that he would be all for meals that unite people, breaking down barriers and sparking meaningful conversations about life and faith.
Rev McDonald was invited to speak at the Scottish Parliament by Edinburgh Western Liberal Democrat MSP Alex Cole-Hamilton.
