Since we no longer manage the Foodbanks+ or Clothesbank, the referral system has changed. However, if you would like to refer somone please read the following:
The process of referring is largely the same since we closed the online referral portal in the fall of 2025. The only change is that we no longer use the online system to process physical vouchers. Instead, the churches ask for a “referral”.
By “referral”, we mean that you refer/direct/signpost your client to their nearest provision using whatever method works best for you and them. This can be via email, text, WhatsApp, or a verbal conversation between yourself and anyone you wish to refer. When your client arrives to one of these venues, the team will ask for who referred them. Ultimately, they are verifying that the guests have been referred, directed, or signposted by a verifiable worker who can vouch for their situation. This approach is designed to simplify the process while helping to reduce barriers and stigma for those seeking support. Please note the different venues might adopt different referral pathways, which we will update below.
Please note that guests can only attend one Foodbank+ a week. Long-term access to this service will be reviewed by each team. For the Clothesbank+, one can only attend 4 times in a year or every 3 months. The times and locations for each venue, as well as referral updates for each venue can be found below.
There is a zero-tolerance policy towards abusive behaviour, aggression or intolerance towards staff, volunteers or other guests/clients. Access will be denied if the guest/client appears to be under the influence of alcohol or any other substance. Failure to follow these rules might result in a refusal of service.
Times and Locations
Clothesbank+
Tollcross (see bottom of page)
- Mondays, 10-12:30
- Central Church, 2 W Tollcross, Edinburgh EH3 9BP
- For Donations – These can be dropped off on a Monday or Sunday morning at Central Hall. Children and Adult’s clothing, shoes and bedding are welcome. Unfortunately we no longer take baby clothing or accessories. New underwear is always needed so if you felt able to buy some new pants these would be especially welcome.
Foodbank+
Craigentinny (see bottom of page)
- Tuesdays, 10-12:30
- Wilson Memorial Church, 127 Moira Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 6RY
Granton (see bottom of page)
- Tuesdays, 10:30-12:00
- Granton Baptist Church, Crewe Rd Gardens, Edinburgh EH5 2NW
Newington
- Thursdays, 10:30-12:30
- Community Church Edinburgh, 41A S Clerk St, Newington, Edinburgh EH8 9NZ
Bruntsfield (see bottom of page)
- Fridays, 10:30-12:30
- Bruntsfield Evangelical Church, 70 Leamington Terrace, Edinburgh EH10 4JU
Moredun
- Fridays, 10:30-12:30
- Tron Kirk, 6 Craigour Gardens, Edinburgh EH17 7NX
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where can I get food when the foodbanks+ are not running?
A: We have created an exhaustive list of various food provision services in Edinburgh. If you cannot make the Foodbank+ times, access a referral, or are in urgent need, this resource will help you locate an alternative source of food. Download the PDF document to view food provision across the city for every day of the week. Please note this list is not regularly updated, so do double-check details elsewhere before attending a service.
Q: Will the church partners keep a record of who attends?
A: Yes. Each location will be asked to share simple data such as number of guests, household sizes, and amount of food distributed. If any personal data is kept (names, contact info), it will be stored securely in compliance with GDPR by each church partner.
Q: What if I don’t have a support worker or a referral?
A: The team will reassure guests that support is still available and help explain the new process in a warm, welcoming way. If someone arrives without a referral, a member of the team will sit with them and evaluate their need.
Q: How do I refer a client?
A: By referral, since the closure of the online portal, we mean that you direct your client to their nearest provision. Please do not confuse the words “referral” and “voucher” because we still expect our guests to have been directed (hence referred) by a verifiable source of support. Please read the section above covering the referral update. Additionally, some Foodbanks+ will adopt new systems for referrals, for updates on this please see below.
Referral Update for Bruntsfield Foodbank+
“After careful consideration, we have decided to introduce a new referral system to replace the previous one, which was provided by Edinburgh City Mission. This will be introduced from 20 February 2026. However, current guests will have a grace period of 4 weeks, and won’t need a new referral until 20 March 2026. We will review the new process after three months. We are happy to hear any feedback and will include it in our review.
- The new referral form will be distributed widely, will be accessible via our church website and is also available on this Google Form.
- We will accept referrals from the following postcodes: EH1; EH3-9; EH9; EH10; EH11; EH12-5; EH13 and EH14. There are Foodbanks in Granton (Tuesdays 1030-1230), Craigentinny (Tuesdays 1030-1230), Newington (Thursdays 1030-1230) and Moredun (Friday 1030-1230) which serve the other areas of the city.
- A referrer can request up to six weeks attendance in every six months ie 4 X 6 weeks blocks per year. If the referrer believes that more than this is required, they will be able to discuss that with us and an exception may be agreed. Please contact us at fiona.watson@bruntsfield.org.uk.”
Referral Update for Craigentinny Foodbank+
Referrals are to be sent by agencies to wilsonmemorialchurchfoodbank@gmail.com.
Referral Update for Granton Foodbank+
The foodbank will continue to START AT 10.30 but will FINISH AT 12PM rather than 12.30pm beginning 16th June 2026.
All guests that are directed to the Granton Baptist Church foodbank require a referral note from a support worker or support service. This can be via a WhatsApp message, by SMS, by email or on paper, sent or given directly to the guest being referred. Without being shown physical evidence that guests have been referred, our team are unable to provide food.
- Referrals must be clearly dated and include:
- The guest’s full name
- The date on which they were referred
- The number of weeks food support is required (max 6 weeks – see below)
- The number of Adults and Children in the household (note: those over 16 years of age can be counted as adults)
Please remind all those being referred that Granton Baptist Church Foodbank is a crisis intervention support service. In receipt of a referral, we are able to support guests for a maximum of SIX consecutive weeks. After this time, a break of at least TWELVE weeks is required, before another referral can be made.
- The initial visit to our foodbank must be made within two weeks of the referral being made.
- As we are a crisis intervention support service, agencies and support workers are expected to means test all guests and only refer those in genuine need.
Referral Update for Clothesbank+
The Clothesbank based at Central Church operates on a verbal referrals basis. This means that recipients can come along any Monday between 10am and 12:15. They do not need a written referral letter and will just be asked verbally who referred them. Once they are in the church’s system, they can visit up to and no more than 4 times a year.
There may be a queue on arrival, and men’s clothes are sometimes limited. If a parent turns up with children, they will be given an automatic queue jump if they make themselves known to the front desk staff. Any enquiries please contact hello@centralchurch.co.uk.
