Monday June 23rd 2025
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
The Midlothian Pantry Network has co-ordinated the distribution of 3,931.9 kg of food from donors such as local supermarkets and restaurants, to its six member food pantries since its establishment in January 2025.
Midlothian Council’s Cost of Living Task Force provided funding to establish the Midlothian Pantry Network, supporting a full-time network co-ordinator and enhancements to storage facilities.
Food Pantries operate on a membership model and are open to everyone. They provide dignified access to food and toiletries at a reduced cost, plus access to free sanitary products, fruit and veg and a wide array of community support services like income maximisation support.
The Midlothian Pantry Network’s co-ordinator is hosted by Mayfield and Easthouses Development Trust and supports six participating pantries across the county.
The six pantries which are members of the Midlothian Pantry Network include Mayfield and Easthouse Development Trust Pantry, Gorebridge Community Development Trust Pantry, Central Dalkeith and Woodburn Pantry, Newtongrange Community Development Trust Pantry, Bonnyrigg Pitcairn Centre Pantry and Danderhall Community Pantry;
Find your local food pantry on the Midlothian Council’s cost of living directory: Food and free sanitary products
Find further information about cost-of-living support in Midlothian Midlothian Cares
The success of the Midlothian Pantry Network model and the ongoing support offered by local food pantries is being celebrated as part of Midlothian Cares Week, a campaign week which is highlighting the wide variety of cost of living supports available across the county.
Midlothian Council Leader, Cllr Kelly Parry said: “Midlothian Council is proud to support the development of the Midlothian Pantry Network as part of our efforts to reduce food poverty and alleviate the challenges of the cost-of-living crisis.
“We recognise the key role Midlothian’s Food Pantries play in our local communities, helping to feed hundreds of people every single week with nutritious food and affordable sanitary products, as well as building community connections too.
“The development of the Midlothian Pantry Network has made a huge difference, enabling the six participating pantries to group together for shared food drives and combining their overall buying power. Taking a co-ordinated approach has seen pantries share knowledge and learn from one another too.
“That has helped to maximise food donations, with the creation of the central food and storage facility playing a crucial role enabling storage of more chilled and frozen goods too.
“This is a big positive for residents who can access a wider variety of nutritious and affordable options with dignity and choice, in the welcoming environment of their nearest pantry.
“I am delighted to highlight the success of this ongoing initiative as part of Midlothian Cares Week, a campaign week focused on showcasing the wide variety of cost of living supports available to residents all-year round.”
Ann Akgul, Midlothian Pantry Network Co-ordinator said: “Working with Pantries across Midlothian has been great. We are really building positive partnerships with each other and with suppliers.
“So far, we have been able to distribute 3.9 tonnes of food to the member pantries, which has come to us from Food Drives and donations.
“This has helped our member pantries to offer a wider variety of foods, share their excesses and reduce waste – all whilst continuing to provide dignified access to food for their communities.
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