Help with food
Fresh Start community meet and eats
This is a two-course hot meal provided weekly on Friday afternoons from 12 pm to 2 pm. There is no referral process, it is for anyone who needs it at
For more information contact
0131 476 7741
Fresh Start souper Tuesdays
Enjoy a bowl of soup and a filled roll and a chat between 11 am and 1 pm every week. There is no referral process, it is for anyone who needs it at
For more information contact
0131 476 7741
Free school meals/ clothing grant/ holiday payments
Free school meals are universal from Primary one to Primary five. However, families who qualify for free school meals will also be entitled to clothing grants, holiday payments and other supports.
Your child may be entitled to free school meals/clothing grant if you get any of the following
- Income support
- Income-based Job Seeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Any income-related element of Employment and Support Allowance
- Child Tax Credit (CTC), but not Working Tax Credit, and your income is less than £19,995
- both Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit and have an income of up to £9,552
- Working Tax Credit run-on (paid for four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit)
- Universal Credit (where your monthly earned income is not more than £796)
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
You can apply at any time but to ensure your child receives meals for the start of the new session in August apply in June.
Apply for free school meals and clothing grants.
Food banks PES
If you are struggling to afford food there are food banks across the city. A list of them can be found at the Edinburgh Food Project. A referral to a local food bank can be made for you by your school, social worker, GP or health visitor.
There are also five Foodbank+ locations in Edinburgh providing essentials for those experiencing deprivation and food poverty, on a referral basis. The locations and details of how a referral can be made can be found on the Foodbank+ website.
Discover! PES
Discover is a holiday programme for low-income families that provides meals and activities for primary school-aged children and their families. Please ask your school for more information and to make a recommendation.
Breakfast clubs
Free places are available in all Council runs and some private provider breakfast clubs. These can be allocated at the headteacher's discretion.