Bringing Families Together: Midlothian’s Community Diners Pilot
Across Midlothian, ten community diners have opened their doors to offer more than just food — they’re creating places where families can connect, feel supported, and access help during challenging times.
Launched in February, the Midlothian Community Diners pilot is already making a meaningful impact. Running over six to eight weeks, the initiative provides weekly hot meals for priority families on low incomes, while also linking them to wider cost of living support.
Each diner offers a relaxed, friendly environment where families can enjoy a nutritious meal, meet others, and learn about services that can help with everyday challenges. Feedback so far highlights just how valued these spaces are — not only for the food, but for the chance to socialise, connect, and feel part of the local community.
The project comes at a crucial time. With rising food prices and increasing household costs, many families are facing difficult choices. Community diners aim to ease some of that pressure by offering affordable meals alongside access to practical advice and support.
Initially funded through the Scottish Government’s Fairer Futures Fund, Midlothian Council has now secured funding from the Child Poverty Accelerator Fund to continue the project through to 2028. Feedback from the pilot phase will now help to shape the future delivery of the project for the next two years.
