A new home shopping and delivery service has been rolled out across the Falkirk district to help pensioners living on their own.
The Food Train, which officially launched earlier this week, also includes household support, meal sharing and befriending schemes.
It has been commissioned by Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership, and is already supporting 30 residents aged 65 and over live better lives in their own homes.
Since December volunteers have completed 183 shopping deliveries, four older people have been matched with a befriender, three have benefited from the At Home support service and 48 meals have been shared as part of the Meal Makers project, where people are paired with volunteer cooks who prepare them a meal.
The official launch was held at the Morrisons Store in Hope Street, where volunteers collect members’ groceries every week.
Food Train Falkirk Regional Manager Amanda Gray, said: "We know that there’s a real need for the services we provide and we’ve had a fantastic start to Food Train in Falkirk.
"The response across the community has been really positive, as our official launch event has highlighted. We’ve recruited a great group of volunteers who are already making life better for older people.
"It’s nice to have the opportunity to thank everyone for their support so far as we use our official launch to shift awareness of our work up a gear."
Martin Thom, Head of Integration at Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership, said: "Food Train’s proactive approach has quickly established the team as a valuable partner within the community.
"Commissioned as part of our response and recovery from the pandemic, the new service has helped people in Falkirk to continue to live independently whilst supported within their own homes.
"We are thankful for the effort and support from Food Train.
"Their team of volunteers join a strong local third sector community in Falkirk, who are already working hard to improve the lives of people with a friendly face and household support."
