The information listed here details organisations that can provide support during this difficult and challenging time. Please contact organisations directly for the most up to date information
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted everyone’s lives and access to food can be challenging if you are affected by the virus and have a change in circumstances. There are also impacts for food businesses and their employees.
The City of Edinburgh Council
The Council is providing up to date information and advice on their services via a dedicated Coronavirus COVID-19 web page. This includes information on:
- The delivery of essential food parcels to vulnerable people in the city.
- Fortnightly payments for those families in receipt of free school meals and clothing grants.
- Support for business.
Support for those most at risk and hardest hit by the coronavirus outbreak will be prioritised in all circumstances.
If you’re experiencing an emergency or critical situation please phone 0131 200 2000.
If you have received a letter from Scottish Government about shielding and need help with food or medicines, please contact shielding@edinbugh.gov.uk or phone 0131 200 2388
Accessing Affordable Food
Other organisations in the city cooking and distributing food include:
- Empty Kitchens, Full Hearts is a volunteer led community movement which prepares fresh daily meals for those who need them. A day pack contains breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a snack which you can heat up in the microwave or on the hob. Delivered to your home or available to collect from their base at Leith Theatre, Ferry Road. Contact 0789 5347157 hello@emptykitchens.co.uk
- Edinburgh Food Project lists operating food banks in the city. Contact Citizens Advice for advice and referrals. They are operating online and have a telephone helpline between 09:30 and 16:30 Monday to Friday 0131 510 5510.
- Edinburgh Community Food provides city-wide home deliveries of fresh fruit, vegetables, and store cupboard items. Contact 0131 467 7326.
- Soul Food Edinburgh is a charity that hosts meals in churches across Edinburgh. The team provide hot, freshly prepared meals while offering some respite and support to anyone dealing with the challenges of homelessness, poverty or loneliness. Details of the different host churches are posted online with food donations provided by local food businesses. Contact hello@soulfoodedinburgh.org
Support for Businesses
Advice and support for food businesses is available on the Scottish Government’s Coronavirus advice for businesses in Scotland web page, the Council’s website and Scotland Food & Drink’s website, who have a Coronavirus information hub and are providing daily updates. Support for Scottish businesses can also be found on their business support summary, which is regularly updated.
Advice & Support
- Nourish Scotland – Community responses to coronavirus: a guide for good practice.
- A comprehensive list of available grants relating specifically to the coronavirus crisis can be found here. The list is being updated when new information is available so check back regularly.
- EVOC have a COVID-19 Community Support Directory and map listing local groups/projects who are offering support during the current COVID-19 pandemic. This directory can be can be used to help connect people with the support and services they need and bring groups and organisations together.
- Food Standards Scotland advice on Coronavirus and food.
- Best Start food card is a prepaid card that you can use to buy healthy foods for children under 3. You can use the card in shops and online. Details of how to use the card or how to apply can be found here.