The courage and commitment of a charity shopping team helping older people across West Lothian has been hailed as nothing short of heroic.
Food Train’s volunteers and staff have been among those on the frontline of the community response to the coronavirus crisis across the region.
And, speaking a year on from the beginning of the first lockdown triggering an unprecedented need for support, regional manager Jenny White has revealed how the team defied the odds to succeed.
She said: “The vast majority of our volunteers this time last year were older people so they – as well as our customers – had to shield.
“Ninety-five per cent of our regular volunteers had to step down. Fortunately, the community response to this was fantastic.
“The number of volunteers who came forward was incredible and we quickly managed to fill the gaps we had with people who had been placed on furlough and the likes.”
Across West Lothian, Food Train, which works to improve the lives of older people by allowing them to eat well and live well in their own homes, saw requests for help surge as many over-65s found themselves unable to get to the shops.
Between April and September alone, the team had 91 new members sign up for the service. More than 3,100 shopping deliveries were made and they had over 120 enquiries about volunteering to help.
The team is still making about 130 deliveries a week, higher than its pre-pandemic levels.
Reflecting on the situation a year ago, Jenny said: “The supermarkets were amazing and realised that our service was needed more than ever.
“On top of that, our staff were amazing. None of us knew what we were dealing with but everyone rolled up their sleeves and carried on – in the shops early, out delivering but also putting new procedures in place to ensure everyone was safe.
“Every day felt like going into a war zone. Driving to work with no other cars on the road or anyone around felt like the apocalypse, not knowing what Covid-19 meant and the impact it would have on the service, volunteers, members and staff.
“Every day was scary but the staff just got on with their job and, although inside they would be scared, they did not show this to the volunteers or members.
“They are all courageous – true heroes and still continuing to work relentlessly.”
As the pandemic took hold, the Food Train team received donations of PPE to help keep its team safe, as well as donations of food, emergency supply bags for older people and 150 fresh meals from Tony Macaroni.
Linlithgow Bakery and Sainsbury’s also supplied treats as a thank-you to volunteers.
Food Train’s positive impact on older people during the most difficult of times, however, has been clear.
One local customer told the charity: “I was so worried about my food and shopping. Nobody could help me and I’m on my own. Not only do your volunteers shop for me but their wee visits really cheer me up. I wish they could visit every day.”
Another said: “We will get through this time because of wonderful services like yours and amazing volunteers who are happy to help give their valuable time to help others in times of need.”
Many of those who stepped forward to volunteer with Food Train continue to support the charity.
“We’re so thankful to everyone for their support. The communities of West Lothian have been brilliant. We had people come forward who never would have thought to before,” added Jenny.
“Some people who were on furlough said that had they not been volunteering with Food Train, they don’t know what they’d have done during lockdown. It helped them.”
To find out about how Food Train could help you or someone you know, email shopping@thefoodtrain.co.uk or call 0800 3047924. To register as a volunteer, go to www.thefoodtrain.co.uk
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