How to get help from our Foodbank

We know that anyone can reach crisis point and we’re here to help when that happens.

Important

The Most important step is to get a foodbank voucher.

Read below to find out how to get help. 

We cover the

EH6 + EH7

postcode area. If you live outwith these areas you can find out where to get help below.

who we are

How to get a Foodbank Voucher

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Get in Touch with Us.

If you call or email our foodbank we can talk through your situation and put you in touch with a relevant local agency.

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Collect your voucher

They will discuss your situation and supply you with a foodbank voucher where appropriate.

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bring your voucher to your nearest foodbank centre

You can find a list of our local centres and opening times here. When you arrive, we’ll welcome you with a warm drink and our trained volunteers will chat with you about your situation. We’ll also discuss any dietary needs you may have and exchange your foodbank voucher for a parcel of three days of emergency food. We’ll also help to support you in any other ways that we can. Most of our foodbank centres offer a cafe style environment and our aim is to provide non-judgemental support at the point of crisis.
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Foodbank Vouchers

Our foodbank works using a voucher referral system. You need a voucher to obtain food!

In order to provide the most appropriate help for the circumstances of your situation, we work with local agencies.

If they feel you are struggling to put food on the table, they will issue you with a foodbank voucher. The local agency can also provide long term support if needed to help address some of the issues behind the reasons for your crisis.

When you visit a referral agency they will take some basic details from you to complete the voucher. This will help them to identify the cause of your crisis and offer practical guidance. It also means we are able to prepare suitable emergency food for the right number of people.

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What is an agency?

Anything from your GP, Housing officier, social worker, any charity you work with can give you a voucher.

If you need more information you can contact us below.

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What does the voucher give me?

Once you have been issued with a voucher, you can exchange this for a minimum of three days of emergency food at your nearest foodbank centre, along with toileteries, fresh food & store vouchers to buy essentials such as milk & bread.

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What is in a Food Parcel?

The Trussell Trust has worked with nutritionists to ensure food parcels contains sufficient nutrition for at least three days worth of healthy, balanced meals for individuals and families.

Our foodbank can always adapt your food parcel to meet your individual needs, for example, if you are allergic to any food or lack certain cooking utilities. When you arrive at the foodbank centre, a volunteer will chat to you about any requirements you may have.
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A typical Food Parcel includes

Breakfast cereals
Soup
Pasta
Rice
Pasta sauce
Tinned beans
Tinned meat
Tinned vegetables
Tinned fruit
Tea or coffee
Sugar
Biscuits
Snacks

As well as

We often have a variety of fresh & various extra items that will be included alongside your food parcel.

Visiting a Foodbank

“The volunteers at the foodbank were so lovely, they listened to me and made me feel human again. It was the first place I didn’t feel judged.”

When you visit the foodbank you can have a cup of tea and coffee, biscuits, cakes and have a chat with out volunteers. We offer far more than just food and are here to help as best we can.

Foodbank volunteers take the time to listen and support you. They are specially trained to know about local services and offer practical guidance so that you have access to the right support, helping you to break out of crisis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find the answers to some of our often asked questions below.
Which agencies can I get a voucher from?

Our foodbank works with a range of local agencies who meet people at risk of going hungry. Citizens Advice, children’s centres and health visitors are just some of those who can make refer people to our foodbank by issuing them with a foodbank voucher. If you think that your organisation could help people by referring them to our foodbank, please get in touch with us to discuss becoming a registered voucher holder.

Where is my nearest foodbank centre?

Please go to the contact page to find the address and opening times of each of our foodbank centres. Please note you must have a foodbank voucher to receive help from the foodbank. If you don’t have a voucher please contact us to find out how to get a voucher.

Will the food parcel cater for my whole family?

Our foodbank will adapt your food parcel according to the number of adults and children indicated on your voucher. They will also endeavour to provide foods that are age appropriate and in suitable quantities for your children. We can sometimes offer baby foods, but not SMA milk.

I have a baby, can you help with supplies of nappies and baby food?

Our foodbank usually carries a small stock of nappies and baby foods, which we can add to your parcel. Please let the foodbank know when you arrive if you need additional items for your baby. We will also signpost you to local provision of further support where possible.

What if I can’t get to the foodbank centre?
Unfortunately we are unable to deliver food parcels, so if you are unable to come to collect a food voucher this should be discussed with the referring agency, as someone can collect the emergency food parcel on your behalf.

Get in Touch with us

Email

Send us an email

Phone

0131 553 5694

North East Edinburgh Foodbank

South Leith Parish Church Halls

Leith

Edinburgh