Danderhall Pantry expands services with support from Midlothian Pantry Network
Danderhall Pantry is expanding its services, welcoming new members, extending its opening hours and introducing a new credit based system that gives residents more choice, dignity and independence when shopping.
More choice for customers
The credit based approach allows customers to select their own food items and brings Danderhall Pantry in line with other pantries across Midlothian. The pantry is now open every Tuesday from 9.30am to 11.30am.
Supported by Midlothian Pantry Network
These changes have been made with support and guidance from the Midlothian Pantry Network (MPN), which is funded by Midlothian Council’s Cost of Living Taskforce and hosted by Mayfield and Easthouses Development Trust. The network supports pantries across the area by sharing food resources, knowledge and best practice, while helping to reduce food waste during the ongoing cost of living crisis.
Since launching in January 2025, the Midlothian Pantry Network has collected 9,877kg of food through surplus redistribution from Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda and Morrisons. Community food drives have contributed a further 5,728kg, equal to £12,989 in shopping value.
New members being welcomed
Erika Pryde, Mission and Outreach Co‑ordinator at Danderhall Pantry, said: “The pantry, which originally operated as a Cyrenians Pantry, faced closure when funding ended in 2024. Recognising the ongoing need in the community, we made the decision to keep the service running so local residents could continue to access vital food support.
“In its early days, the pantry was able to serve only around 30 customers per week because food supplies were limited and mostly sourced from FareShare. Ensuring equal food parcels for every customer was challenging, and demand quickly exceeded what was available, leading to a waiting list the team could not accommodate.
“We’ve seen excellent results with the help of the Midlothian Pantry Network. With more food available and the new credit based system now in place, we have reopened registration to new members and can offer more choice for them too.”
Working together
Cllr Kelly Parry, Midlothian Council Leader and Chair of the Cost of Living Taskforce, said: “I’m delighted to see the fantastic progress at Danderhall Pantry. The team at Danderhall have worked incredibly hard to support residents with dignity, choice and a warm, welcoming space.
“The move to a credit based system, extended opening hours and the ability to welcome new members all show just how much can be achieved when local volunteers, community partners and the Midlothian Pantry Network come together.
Reducing food waste
“This success reflects the wider impact of the Midlothian Pantry Network, which continues to make a real difference across the area. By coordinating surplus food collections, sharing expertise and combining buying power, the network helps pantries offer a wider range of nutritious and affordable items while reducing food waste.
“Midlothian Council is proud to support this work as part of our ongoing commitment to tackling food poverty and easing the pressure of the cost of living crisis.”
In the picture from left to right:
Erika Pryde, Mission & Outreach Coordinator at Danderhall Pantry, Lainy Thomson, Outreach Intern at Danderhall Pantry, Midlothian Council Leader Cllr Kelly Parry and Ann Akgul, Midlothian Pantry Network Coordinator.