The Pantry started in April 2023 due to local demand and successful pilots in other areas within Midlothian and beyond.

Each shop costs £3.50 and for this each customer gets in the region of £15 - 20 worth of food. Including 10 items from the ambient stock and free fresh fruit and veg, bakery items, Pet food and sanitary products.

We have 240 people registered and approximately 80 shoppers every Sunday morning between 11 - 1.

'this is a lifesaver' one of the customer said. We are also able to refer or signposts people to different services and advertise other groups etc that we have running through NDT.

Another customer had been sitting with no electricity or gas for 2 weeks as he had no money. He now is able to get enough food to see him through most of the week for £3.50.

We also offer opportunities for members of the community to become Volunteers. Giving them a sense of purpose and a feeling of helping out the community and gaining social relationships. Like many of the people in the queue they come along to chat to others, listen to the music and meet new people.