Prior to the coronavirus outbreak most food banks required a referral to use. Some have altered their procedures because of the crisis. Where known, we will state if a food bank requires a referral or not.
In order to obtain a referral and information on your nearest food bank, call the Scottish Welfare Fund on 0131 529 5299. They can also provide crisis grants.
Most of the main food banks are currently operating delivery services.
If you cannot find a food bank near you on this list, please check the EVOC directory at https://directory.evoc.org.uk/ and press CTRL+F and type in "Food Bank".
The food banks listed here are the ones where we have been able to track down websites or contact details and have reason to believe they are active as of 10/05/2020.
The Trussell Trust (Edinburgh-wide) runs the Edinburgh SE Food Bank, Edinburgh NE Food Bank, Edinburgh NW and Edinburgh SW Food Bank. These food banks are referral only (see top). Their website contains some information on who to contact for referrals as well. https://edinburghse.foodbank.org.uk/get-help/how-to-get-help/
Social Bite (Edinburgh-wide) provide emergency food deliveries to
- homeless people,
- families that were relying on free school meals and now have no access,
- those that have been made redundant due to the crisis and are in food poverty.
https://social-bite.co.uk/
The Broomhouse Food Bank (Broomhouse) offers free packs of food to families and individuals in crisis.
https://www.coss-broomhouse.org.uk/foodbank/
Space and Broomhouse Hub (Broomhouse) run a "Café at the Hub", which is open from 11.30am – 1.30pm for take away food to those who have family meal vouchers. Social distancing measures are in place to allow for a 2m gap when queuing.
They are also coordinating an emergency food initiative. For more information on that, call 0131 455 7731.
http://www.spacescot.org/
The Health Agency (Wester Hailes) do weekly meal deliveries and provide a range of advice and support for those struggling. Application process unknown.
https://sites.google.com/a/whhealthagency.org.uk/home/
Edinburgh City Mission (North Merchiston) run a "Basics Bank" food bank on a referral only basis.
https://www.edinburghcitymission.org.uk/where-to-find-help/basics-bank.php
Wilson Memorial Church (Portobello) provide emergency food, support and advice on Tuesdays. This does not require a referral. (Signage reportedly poor, check round the back)
https://wilsonmemorial.org.uk/helping-others/basics-bank-food-bank/
Settlement Projects (Leith) provide free food on Thursdays from 12 noon to 2pm. Supplies are based on donations and may vary. (34a Haddington Place, Leith Walk)
https://www.facebook.com/settlementprojectsedinburgh/
LOVE Gorgie Farm (Gorgie) operate a food bank. Information currently limited.
https://www.gorgiecityfarm.org.uk/contact-us/
https://www.facebook.com/LOVEGorgieFarm/