Jennifer boards food train to help people in Midlothian

Food Train Connects has appointed a development officer covering the region to help it reach more people, tackling loneliness and supporting them to live healthier lives.

The service sees over-65s matched with a specific volunteer shopper in their area who carries out weekly grocery trips for them.

This is an extension of Food Train’s award-winning established home shopping service, with the individual match allowing the charity to support people in areas such as Midlothian where it does not currently operate.

Six months on from its launch, Food Train Connects is already working with older people in Midlothian.

The charity’s mission is to help older people live well and age well in their own homes, with Food Train Connects and the wider shopping operation ensuring they are able to access the food needed for a good diet – and enjoy social contact as it is delivered, within all public health guidelines.

Jennifer Kaney, Food Train Connects’ new development officer covering Midlothian, said: “The Connects service has got off to a good start, but we know there is a need to reach greater numbers of people, making a positive difference to their lives. We have volunteers ready in Midlothian to do that.

“Food Train Connects removes geographical boundaries and reaches out to anyone who needs support, no matter where they live.”

As well as offering a one-to-one home shopping service, Food Train Connects also operates a scheme where weekly check-in calls are made to the over-65s who are existing Food Train members, providing them valuable company – especially important amid Covid-19 where they are not able to socialise in the same way they might have previously.

Jennifer previously worked as a development officer with Re-engage.

Speaking about her new role, she said: “I knew about Food Train from working within the third sector and thought the new Connects service was a simple, yet very effective way of helping socially isolated older people, especially at this time.

“Food Train Connects makes a massive difference to older people in terms of them being able to get the food that they would like and enjoy but can’t manage to do so by themselves. They are also benefiting from the social contact from a volunteer who has time to spend with them. This enhances their mental health and helps them build up a friendship.”

And in a message to older people who may benefit from the service, she added: “Give it a go. You are potentially making a new friend who wants to do your shopping. This will benefit you in so many ways: you will feel less lonely, you will be choosing your own food and you will have something to look forward to.”

Across Scotland, Food Train’s team of volunteers and staff are now getting groceries to about 3,380 people through both its Connects service and across the nine regions in which its established shopping operation which sees volunteers carry out mass shops and drive vans to make multiple deliveries. That number compares to 1,905 before the pandemic.

To find out about how Food Train Connects could help you or someone you know, email [email protected] or call Jennifer on 07541 615836. To register as a volunteer, go to www.foodtrainconnects.org.uk.