An altruistic home shopping and delivery charity has revealed that older people in Perth and Kinross are being forced to “juggle between keeping warm and keeping fed” as energy and everyday costs soar.
Food Train, which serves over-65s across Scotland, revealed in its nationwide Cost of Living survey that 27 per cent of those who took part said they are buying less food so they can save money to heat their homes.
Twenty five per cent said they would struggle to pay their bills and 60 per cent said they will heat their home less.
It comes after energy regulator Ofgem announced that in October it would raise the price cap on energy bills by a staggering 80 per cent to £3549 a year.
One older person who uses the Food Train Connects service, which provides one-to-one shopping support for people in parts of Perth and Kinross that the main delivery service does not reach, said: “Everything I buy is cold. I just eat salads all the time.”
Another who took part in the survey added: “I have been more aware of costs and how to pay regularly to keep up to date.
“I wonder how long I can manage.”
The team working in the region also say they have noticed the older people with whom they work becoming more price-conscious in recent weeks - worrying about costs and asking volunteers to check on the prices of different brands before confirming their orders.
Food Train chief executive Michelle Carruthers said: “The situation is deeply concerning.
“Across Perth and Kinross, and throughout Scotland, our members are telling us how worried they are about the winter ahead.
“Many have no idea how they’ll cope given the steep price rises they face.
“Some will have to juggle between keeping warm and keeping fed.
“This puts people’s lives in danger.
“Without immediate action, alarming numbers of older people are going to be at greater risk of malnutrition and social isolation this winter, causing further health problems and putting further strain on our already under-pressure NHS. We are looking to do what we can to try and help our members through this - locally and further afield - so they can eat well and live well in their own homes.”
Food Train has written to Scottish secretary Alister Jack, calling on the UK Government to double the amount paid in its previously announced Pensioner Cost of Living payment to go at least some way towards helping people cope with the cost of living crisis.
To register as a volunteer or to find out about Food Train’s services in Perth and Kinross email pk@thefoodtrain.co.uk or call 01382 810944.
More details about the charity can be found at www.thefoodtrain.co.uk
