Food charity, Food Train, have launched a brand new 'one-to-one' shopping service, in order to help older people in the community. 

The charity, which covers areas all around Glasgow, announced the expansion of its service, which already helps to supply elderly residents with food. 

Food Train Connects will be an extention to the charity's established shopping and delivery service, which will see over-65 year olds matched with a specific volunteer in their area who will complete shopping trips.

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Charlotte Andrews, 23 from Partick, started volunteering at Food Train at the beginning of the coronvirus pandemic. 

She said: “The work carried out by Food Train gives a real insight into the challenges many of our older people face.

"While the situation with coronavirus is unprecedented, it has served to highlight the difficulties some people face on a daily basis, which is why I’m keen to do something which helps not just with the immediate problems, but longer term too.”

The charity is hoping that the extention to the already-established scheme will allow them to reach those in need that would otherwise be missed by the service.

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Morna O’May, Food Train Connects national development officer, said: “The demand from older people needing help with their shopping has never been greater because of the restrictions which have had to be put in place because of Covid-19.

"Our aim with Food Train Connects is to enhance that, where appropriate, to ensure we can get groceries to more people with an operation which will continue even after the current lockdown and shielding guidelines are lifted.

Morna also took the time to thank Food Train volunteers, with almost 300 extra joining the charity nationwide during the lockdown. 

She said: “Our volunteers across Glasgow do a fantastic - and hugely appreciated - job.

"They’re ready to help us improve the quality of life for more older people in their own homes and we want anyone who thinks they or someone they know would benefit from our current or new service to get in-touch.”