Aldi donates 6,561 meals to families in Edinburgh over Easter

  • Aldi has donated 6,561 meals to those in need across Edinburgh over the Easter period
  • This forms part of Aldi’s long-standing partnership with community-giving platform Neighbourly
  • Aldi has delivered the equivalent of more than 50 million meals since 2019 via the partnership
DGP

Aldi has helped to deliver 6,561 meals to people in need across Edinburgh over the Easter period by donating surplus food from stores across the UK, helping to support families that might otherwise struggle with the extra cost of Easter celebrations and feeding children during the school break.

Working with local charities and community groups through its long-standing partnership with Neighbourly, the discounter redistributes fresh and chilled food from its stores to those who need it most, with donations made over Easter helping to make sure all families can come together to enjoy festivities regardless of financial circumstances.

This forms part of Aldi’s nationwide food donation programme, which pairs every UK store with a local charity or community group to ensure surplus food is put to good use all year round.

More than 711,500 meals were donated throughout the UK over the recent school holidays, with 24 groups in Edinburgh benefiting from the initiative.

The latest figures build on Aldi’s long-term partnership with Neighbourly, which has enabled the delivery of the equivalent of more than 50 million meals since 2019. 

Luke Emery, National Sustainability Director at Aldi UK, said: “We know the school holidays can put real pressure on families who may already be struggling – especially when it comes to putting food on the table.

“By working with Neighbourly, we can ensure good food reaches families who need it, rather than going to waste. That’s food on people’s plates that might otherwise have been missed.

“And for those who are able to, picking up an extra item to donate in store can make a real difference to local communities.”

Steve Butterworth, CEO of Neighbourly, said: “Aldi’s commitment means local charities and community groups can rely on regular food donations to support people in their communities.

“For many of these organisations, that consistent support is vital – helping them provide food day in, day out.”

In addition, Aldi also works with partners including Company Shop Group, another distributor of surplus food and household products, to redistribute surplus stock from its Regional Distribution Centres, to support households across the UK.

The supermarket also recently expanded its partnership with The Bread and Butter Thing, enabling suppliers across the UK to donate products that cannot be sold in stores, such as items with packaging damage or labelling errors, but are still perfectly good to eat.

Meningitis Now responds to three new MenB cases

Three young people in Weymouth, Dorset have been confirmed to have meningitis B, known as MenB. 

All-three individuals have received treatment and are recovering well. These cases are not linked to the recent outbreak in Kent and this outbreak is not showing the same speed of transmission or severity of illness. 

Meningitis Now CEO Dr Tom Nutt says: “We are concerned to hear of three cases of MenB amongst young people in Weymouth. Our heartfelt thoughts are with them, their families, friends and the entire community. We wish them a good recovery, and are here to provide support at this difficult time.

“Meningitis can progress very quickly and its impact can be devastating. Meningitis can affect anyone. But students and young people are at increased risk because they are more likely to carry the bacteria that can cause meningitis, and because bacteria can spread more easily in settings where students and young people live, study and socialise closely together. We understand that these cases in Dorset are unconnected to the recent outbreak in Kent.

“We urge students, young people, staff and families to remain vigilant for the signs and symptoms of meningitis, which can include a high fever, severe headache, vomiting, sensitivity to light, confusion, cold hands and feet, limb pain, and, in some cases, a rash that does not fade under pressure.

“Symptoms can appear suddenly, in any order and can easily be mistaken for flu, a heavy cold or even a hangover. So, it is vital that anyone who is concerned seeks urgent medical help immediately.

“We welcome the swift response from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to identify close contacts and provide precautionary antibiotics and MenB vaccinations to young people in school years 7 to 13 in Weymouth, Portland and Chickerell. Rapid public health action is crucial in helping to reduce the risk of further cases.

“We are supporting the schools and wider community and are here to help in any way we can.

“We understand that this news may cause people concern or anxiety, especially so soon after the Kent outbreak. Meningitis Now is here to support anyone in the UK affected by meningitis. You can find our more from www.meningitisnow.org or by calling our nurse-led Helpline on 0808 80 10 388, open Monday to Friday.

This situation is yet another reminder of why our “No Plan B for MenB” campaign is calling for greater protection for young people. MenB is one of the most common causes of bacterial meningitis in the UK. Its impact is devastating, cruel, life-changing – and preventable.

“Since 2015 only infants have been vaccinated against MenB but we believe all teenagers and young adults should be protected by this vaccine on the NHS. When it comes to MenB, there is no plan B – we must vaccinate young people to protect them.

“The MenB vaccine is currently only available for young adults privately through high street and supermarket pharmacies.

“If anyone is worried about they or a loved one may have meningitis, trust your instincts and seek urgent medical help. Acting quickly can save lives.”

Police: Have you seen Lauren?

!!! ALERT – LAUREN HAS BEEN TRACED !!!

POLICE are appealing for the help of the public to trace a 19-year-old woman reported missing in the Leith area.

Lauren Fulton was last seen around 8.30am on Friday, 17 April, 2026, in the Ferry Road area.

She is described as around 5ft 8ins, of slim build with bushy brown hair and usually wears glasses. When last seen Lauren was wearing grey sweatpants, a dark grey jacket and headphones.

Sergeant James Muir said: “Concerns are growing for Lauren’s welfare and it is important we make sure she is safe and well.

“We are asking anyone who has seen Lauren or knows where she might be to get in touch. If you are out and about in the area please keep a lookout for her.”

If you can help, please contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0648 of Friday, 17 April, 2026.

Granton Goes Greener Plant Share

THURSDAY 23 APRIL 5.30 – 7.30pm

at GRANTON PARISH CHURCH HALL

With a sunny weather and gardening season already having started,we are extremely excited to invite you to our FREE PLANT SHARE event at

@GreenerGranton/@GrantonParish next Thursday.

We will be sharing and exchanging both indoor and outdoor plants, plant cuttings and seeds

🪴
🌷
🥕

MS Awareness Week event at Corstorphine Community Centre

THURSDAY 23rd APRIL drop-in from 10am – 1pm

CCC have joined forces with the MS Society to offer some activities, information and a safe space to come and have a chat and find out more.

Join us on the 23rd April 10am-1pm. No need to book

Drop in

TODAY: Community Lunch at Empty Kitchens Full Hearts

Menu for Friday the 17th of April 🥣

We are excited to share a delicious community meal with you tomorrow. We do our best to have a variety of options, including vegetarian and often a delicious pudding. What’s on the menu tomorrow:

Parsnip and herb soup

Chicken nuggets, chips and beans

Vegetable curry

Pineapple cake

Please check the board or ask our volunteers about allergens. And just a heads-up, our food is served until it runs out!

Do come along and enjoy. Thank you!

Funding boost for LIFT

We are delighted to announce our 5 years funding award from the Bank of Scotland Foundation Empower Fund.

This will help keep the centre doors open, help towards a Staff member salary and any running costs.

We are delighted, we have always depended on room hire, fundraising and donations to cover the centre Running Costs now a huge percentage of that will be covered for 5 years.

Thank you to all the LIFT staff, Volunteers, The amazing Board and the centre users for all your support

Pauline Nicol-Bowie MBE

Celebrating 30 years of Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site

Planning Convener Cllr Joan Griffiths writes about birthday celebrations for Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site ahead of World Heritage Day on Saturday:

It’s three decades since Edinburgh’s Old and New Towns were inscribed on the UNESCO world heritage list in 1995, recognising the city’s diverse and iconic buildings and landmarks –  thirty years on and we have a lot to celebrate this World Heritage Day,  Saturday 18 April.

The status recognises the Towns (collectively) as one of the most extraordinary urban landscapes in the world and helps us along with our partners, Historic Environment Scotland and Edinburgh World Heritage, to make sure its value and beauty is preserved for generations to come.

As partners we’re tasked with preserving the organic medieval Old Town and the planned Georgian New Town including the city’s iconic skyline. The Site offers a rich contrast of styles between the Old Town’s narrow, winding closes and the broad, elegant streets of the New Town. Along with our partners we look after around 4,500 individual buildings and for around 30,000 Edinburgh residents the Site is their home.

UNESCO’s values include working with communities and young people. Celebrating this big birthday is giving us a fantastic opportunity to engage residents and visitors in activities to help them find out more about this historically important and internationally renowned area of our beautiful Capital city.

If you’re a photography enthusiast, we’re running a competition with our partners to help celebrate this milestone. We’re asking you to share an image with us before the end of October that captures what inspires you most about the World Heritage Site and makes Edinburgh so special in your eyes. There are 12 categories to choose from, ranging from the Medieval Old Town to the Living City.

Winning images in each category will become part of a year-long calendar and you will be able to buy one in our Museums and Galleries shops, at Historic Scotland sites and at Edinburgh World Heritage events to raise money to help manage the Site going forward.

For our young residents we’ve asked a class of primary four Granton Primary pupils to work with a freelance artist over the summer term. The children will visit the Museum of Edinburgh and be given a special educational tour of the World Heritage Site.

The artist will carry out a number of sessions with the pupils in their classroom guiding them to paint their impressions of what they found interesting and memorable during their trip around this historic area of our city. When complete the work will be exhibited in the Museum of Edinburgh from 5 October to 10 January for everyone to enjoy.

Why not use this week to find out more about the Old and New Towns World Heritage Site and enter any special images of the area you are proud of into our photography competition. Good luck and happy snapping!

Tracy Gilbert MP tables motion to recognise Anne Munro’s 47 years of service to Leith communit

Tracy Gilbert MP has tabled an Early Day Motion in Parliament recognising the incredible contribution of Anne Munro, who is retiring after 47 years of dedicated service with the Pilmeny Development Project in Leith.

The Pilmeny Development Project has been supporting residents since 1979, working to improve the quality of life and strengthen community connections across north-east Edinburgh.

Commenting, Tracy Gilbert MP said: “Anne’s commitment to the people of Leith over nearly five decades has been extraordinary. Through her work with the Pilmeny Development Project, she has made a huge difference to countless lives across our community.

“This Early Day Motion is a small but important way to recognise Anne’s contribution and to thank her for the dedication, compassion and leadership she has shown throughout her career.

“On behalf of Edinburgh North and Leith, I wish Anne a long, happy and well-deserved retirement.”

The link to the EDM is here: 

Anne Munro retires after 47 years from Pilmeny Development Project – Early Day Motions – UK Parliament

Edinburgh Leisure launches £20 Spring Pass offering two weeks of Unlimited Fitness

A flexible way for Edinburgh residents to dip into gyms, pools and fitness classes this April – and discover movement that fits real life.

Edinburgh Leisure is inviting people across the city to step into spring with its Spring Pass – two weeks of unlimited access to gyms, pools and fitness classes for just £20. 

Available to buy from the Edinburgh Leisure website until 30 April, the Spring Pass is ideal for anyone looking to move more but unsure where to start, getting back into a routine, or simply wanting the freedom to try different activities without a long-term commitment. It’s an easy way to explore and find what feels good. 

A Stress‑Free Way to Start Moving

The pressure to have a plan, a goal, or the confidence to walk into a fitness space already knowing what you’re doing can feel intimidating. 

The Spring Pass lifts that pressure. It gives you the freedom to move in whatever way suits your day – a quick swim before work, a weekend gym session or your first ever fitness class. No fixed routine and no need to know your “thing”. 

Try something out and, if it’s not for you, simply switch it up.

Explore Edinburgh Leisure’s Venues

Spring Pass holders can enjoy all Edinburgh Leisure’s venues, including iconic fitness spaces such as: 

  • Meadowbank Sports Centre 
  • Royal Commonwealth Pool 
  • Victorian Swimming Pools 

Each venue offers a welcoming environment and a mix of activities suited to first‑timers, returners and anyone looking for a fresh start. 

A Simple First Step Into Spring 

No contracts. No long‑term commitment. No expectations. 

Just an easy, affordable way to move a little more this spring – and discover what feels good along the way.  

For more information or to purchase the Spring Pass, visit: Edinburgh Gym and Fitness Memberships – Swim, Climb, Golf 

Edinburgh Leisure is a charity dedicated to helping people lead more active, healthy lives. With 75 sport, leisure and school venues across the city, it creates opportunities for everyone to get active and stay active.