Please note that benefits/ legal information can change frequently and if relying on information it is important to check it is up-to-date. The information on this page is current when we post it but we are all volunteers and we cannot guarantee our efforts to keep the page up-to-date are always successful. Please look out for the notices stating when the page/ section was last updated and double-check anything important for your situation. Sources for current info include our Links page.
Foodbank Referral
In Edinburgh you can get a foodbank referral by ringing the Scottish Welfare Fund on 0131 529 5299. You don’t need to get an organisation to ring for you, you can do it yourself. But if you have any problems contact ECAP. City of Edinburgh Council page on Scottish Welfare Fund here. Links to Scottish Welfare Fund in other Scottish Councils here (scroll down to foot of page). The SWF also can give Crisis Grants and Community Care Grants.
Empty Kitchens Full Hearts
The voluntary group Empty Kitchens Full Hearts give food support in Edinburgh. This is mainly by delivery of meal packs to your home The group write : A meal pack contains lunch, dinner and a snack for two days. The meals are delivered cold and can easily be heated in the microwave or on the hob. They are delivered to your door by our drivers and cyclists.
To arrange deliveries and get the latest updates on what they are doing, contact Empty Kitchens Full Hearts (contact form on website home page) Plus email hello@emptykitchens.co.uk Tel 07895 347157
At the time of writing there is also a weekly onsite food service, Empty Kitchens Full Hearts write: Between 1pm and 2pm every Friday, you can come and see us at 3-11 West Granton Road, EH5 1HG for some soup and a roll, and a chat with our lovely volunteers!
Other Sources of Help
There is a list of places in Edinburgh to eat free or very cheap at Streetwork site – this is from February 2021 so you need to check the info, most of the places listed have a phone number.
If you can update any of the information on this page or provide info on new sources of support, please contact us.
[Last updated: 1st December 2022 – whole page]
