Cyrenians could create food stores across Edinburgh as it continues work to support those facing food poverty

A charity has announced a new initiative in the fight against food poverty in Edinburgh.

Cyrenians have introduced a new pantry service, offering quality food at low prices in their bid to tackle hunger in the capital.

The Edinburgh based charity deliver sustainable solutions for the causes and consequences of homelessness. Food poverty is a key element of a number of the charity's services including cooking courses at the Flavour and Haver Cook School, community cook clubs across Midlothian and Fife, and the redistribution of surplus food through its FareShare depot.

Pantry coordinator Michelle Dennis said: “We’re so excited to be offering the new Cyrenians Pantry as a pilot service here in Edinburgh.

“The pantry model operates a membership scheme where people sign up for only £1, and can choose ten items from our pantry for an additional £1.

“The pantry offers dignified access to affordable food on an ongoing basis. Stocked in the first instance by our FareShare depot, we’ll be looking to expand the offering by bringing new partners on board as we develop the pantry.

“Our first pantry opens in Granton on June 12, with additional pantries planned for launch throughout summer.”

Cyrenians FareShare depot manager Lynne Collie added, “Food poverty is a real concern throughout Scotland. We distribute in excess of 35 tonnes of food per month through our Community Food Members and this new pantry service adds another method of accessing our support.

“We are delighted to be part of this new pilot and hope that the ability to choose quality food products at low cost helps support those in our community who most need it.”