SERVICE DETAILS
How to access the Foodbank...
We know that anyone can find themselves at crisis point for a number of different reasons.
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 e-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 contact a local 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.
Once you have been issued with an e-voucher number, you can show this at your nearest foodbank centre and will be given a minimum of three days of emergency food.
Our foodbank works with a number of different agencies, including charities, the NHS and the City of Edinburgh Council. To find out more about the agencies that hold our vouchers and how you can get help, please contact us on 0131 444 0030 or email info@edinburghfoodproject.org.
Visiting the Grassmarket Foodbank...
Everyone who visits the Grassmarket Foodbank Centre for emergency food MUST HAVE A VALID FOODBANK VOUCHER.
You will be welcomed by volunteers to discuss your needs and prepare your food parcel.
We know that crisis can strike anyone and we also understand how difficult it can be to think about walking through a foodbank door. That’s why our foodbank volunteers aim to welcome everyone who comes to the foodbank with compassion, kindness and a listening ear.
Meeting Your Needs...
Your foodbank voucher will be exchanged for three days of emergency food. We want to make sure that we give you the right food to meet your needs, so please do let our volunteers know if you have any special dietary requirements or allergies, for example, gluten free, halal or vegetarian.
Preparing Your Food...
Whilst your food parcel is being prepared, a volunteer will offer you a warm drink and a biscuit. They will also be available if you would like to have a chat. Your food parcel will be packed into supermarket carrier bags. If you prefer to bring your own bags those can be used instead.
Practical Guidance & Support...
Foodbank volunteers take the time to listen and support you. They can provide information on our Money Advice Service and suggest other routes to accessing support. We have also partnered with various support agencies to provide drop in sessions in the foodbank centres. If you feel you need professional support or guidance please feel to have a chat with them.
WHAT’S IN A FOOD PARCEL?
Our foodbank provides three days of nutritionally balanced, non-perishable food.
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.
A TYPICAL FOOD PARCEL INCLUDES:
Breakfast cereals, Soup, Pasta, Rice, Pasta sauce, Tinned beans, Tinned meat, Tinned vegetables, Tinned fruit, Tea/coffee, Sugar, Biscuits, Snacks
Dietary Requirements...
Our foodbank can usually adapt your food parcel to meet your dietary needs, for example, gluten free, halal or vegetarian. When you arrive at the foodbank centre, a volunteer will chat to you about an special dietary requirements you may have.
IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A FOODBANK VOUCHER!!
Please see https://edinburghfoodproject.org/how-to-access-the-foodbank.
Grassmarket Foodbank - 07805 203 744
Foodbank mobiles will only be on during their opening hours, out with this time please contact our main office 0131 444 0030. Please do not contact the host buildings directly.
