All aboard the Food Train in the Borders

Food Train, which provides vital support to help over-65s who are unable to manage independently – many of them disabled or suffering from ill health – has seen a record-breaking 60% national increase in people using its grocery shopping service since the start of the coronavirus crisis as people shield and self isolate in their homes.

But, despite the pressures the surge has placed on its established operations, the charity, whose operations locally are managed from an office in Galashiels, is marking Volunteers Week by launching a new one-to-one service which it hopes will reach more of the most vulnerable older people.

Food Train Connects is an extension of the organisation’s award-winning shopping and delivery service where teams of volunteers deliver van-loads of groceries throughout the Borders and store them away if needed.

It will see over-65s matched with a specific volunteer shopper in their area who will carry out weekly grocery trips for them.

The individual match means Food Train can reach a greater number of people in pockets of the area it does not currently serve through its established operation.

Morna O’May, Food Train Connects national development officer, said: “The demand from older people needing help with their shopping has never been greater because of the restrictions which have had to be put in place because of Covid-19. The pandemic has proven a powerful reminder of the difference our charity makes to peoples’ lives – and we want to help as many as possible.

“Our volunteers in the Borders do a fantastic – and hugely appreciated – job. Our aim with Food Train Connects is to enhance that, where appropriate, to ensure we can get groceries to more people with an operation which will continue even after the current lockdown and shielding guidelines are lifted.

“We already have volunteers signed up.

“They’re ready to help us improve the quality of life for more older people in their own homes and we want anyone who thinks they or someone they know would benefit from our current or new service to get in touch.”

Food Train’s team of volunteers and staff are now getting groceries to 3,045 people across nine Scottish regions, compared to 1,905 before the pandemic.

As well as intensifying its shopping service during the coronavirus lockdown – with volunteers adhering to public health guidance at all times – Food Train has carried out more than 4,300 check-in calls with over-65s as part of its national befriending project and has continued to deliver hundreds of meals nationally every week as part of its Meal Makers scheme.

Since the start of the pandemic, the number of shopping service volunteers supporting Food Train across the nine regions of operation has risen from about 800 to almost 1,100.

It has secured increased cash support from the Scottish Government and other funders to ensure demands on the service can be met.

This has included employing a small number of temporary support staff.

To find out about how Food Train Connects could help you or someone you know, email [email protected] or call 0800 3047924.

To register as a volunteer, go to www.thefoodtrain.co.uk