Fiona Hyslop Praises Work of West Lothian Food Train

Local Linlithgow Constituency MSP Fiona Hyslop has praised the work undertaken by West Lothian Food Train, particularly in the last 18 months when they have helped significant numbers of older people live well at home throughout the pandemic.

Food Train is the charity which helps older people live better lives at home and who operate a home shopping delivery service in your constituency. For 26 years volunteers across Scotland have ensured people aged 65 and over have not gone without critical shopping supplies while also enjoying life-improving social contact. The services provided by Food Train support individuals in remaining at home by providing essential items and social visits.

Commenting after her visit, Fiona said,

“West Lothian Food Train has responded to unprecedented demand since the outbreak of Covid-19 supporting around 300 people across West Lothian and providing up to 125 shops per week.

“An already busy charity helping older people live well at home found their delivery numbers increased by around 50% in the last year and a half.

“Food Train rely on local volunteers to provide this essential service which helps elderly people in our community remain at home by providing services which deliver food and library books to homes, offer nutritional support, help with basic household tasks and allows older people to maintain social contact through their befriending service.

“During my visit I was impressed to learn that West Lothian Food Train are able to provide these essential services to support people in West Lothian thanks to the service of over 65 local volunteers. These volunteers’ deliver food and library books but also provide social contact and day trips which allow individuals to remain an active part of the community.”

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More information on the services provided by Food Train and how to get involved can be found at the following link; https://www.thefoodtrain.co.uk/index.php