A social enterprise established with EU funds is creating employment for people with disabilities, while serving tasty snacks and drinks. Based in the Czech capital, Prague, Gastronomie Umoznujici Lidem Existovat – Gastronomy Allowing People to Exist (GULE) runs a food truck which currently provides stable jobs for six people with conditions including cerebral palsy, diabetes and the after-effects of a stroke.
- 11 April 2020
‘We are proud that GULE food trucks are a member of our association. They fulfil their mission perfectly, create job opportunities for people with disabilities and offer a high-quality product. Whether it's doughnuts or special themed offers, everything has a great taste.’
With their campaign slogan ‘Handicap? So what? We have the GULE (or “balls” – referring to their speciality cheese curd mini doughnuts) for that’, GULE aims to break down stereotypes. The project has shown that the disabled can do top quality jobs and that not all disabled people need special working conditions or constant supervision.
GULE’s employees work as food truck attendants. Their main tasks involve serving customers and preparing doughnuts – which come with a variety of toppings and sprinkles, such as cinnamon sugar, caramel, popcorn and Himalayan salt – coffee, milkshakes and seasonal drinks such as mulled wine.
Sowing the seeds
The seeds for the growth of GULE were sown in founder Martin Ballaty’s personal, academic and professional life. His brother had a disability, which made him aware of and determined to tackle the ignorance which surrounds such issues.
He went on to study resocialisation, spending part of his course on placements in facilities for people with disabilities. He worked for several years with non-profit organisations and social enterprises on behalf of the public administration.
Combining all of this with his passion for food – he also trained as a baker – Martin developed the concept for GULE in 2017. He drew up a business plan, established the social enterprise and initiated cooperation with recruitment bodies. Two years of intensive preparation followed, during which many voices questioned the wisdom of setting up a company employing people with disabilities.
Hitting the road
Martin did not let himself be discouraged and the food truck hit the road in 2019, attending food festivals and private events across Czechia, in addition to occupying a regular spot in front of the shopping arcades in Prague’s Pankrác district.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging for GULE, but they continue to offer handmade products prepared from quality ingredients according to traditional recipes. Seasonal specialities form another important part of the menu. GULE’s Easter range includes a traditional Czech lamb cake with candied fruit; Mazanec, a sweet-tasting bread with raisins and almonds; chicken liver pâté; and egg liqueur.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “GULE Food Truck” is EUR 200 276 with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 100 138 through the “Prague – Growth Pole” Operational Programme for the 2014-2020 programming period.