Food Train announces East Renfrewshire expansion following funding boost

The charity provides vital practical and social help to those who are no longer able to manage independently, through age, ill health or disability.

Food Train received £452,413 from SP Energy Networks’ £20million Green Economy Fund which was awarded to projects throughout Scotland to help pursue their green ambitions. The funding will allow the charity to replace its high carbon diesel vehicles with nine new electric models, allowing them to expand their service to two new regions. Using the electric vans, Food Train will reach more people, specifically in rural regions where its particularly difficult for older people to access public transport and shops.

The volunteer-led organisation delivers grocery shopping, library books and home cooked meals to over 23,000 elderly people across Scotland. Additionally, they offer a befriending service, connecting older people to volunteers who they can rely on for companionship whether it’s a phone call, home visit, group activities or outings.

The Green Economy Fund was created by SP Energy Networks, who own and operate the electricity grid across Central and Southern Scotland, to support projects that will help the Scottish Government reach its green targets to boost local economic growth, improve air quality in our cities and deliver a better future, quicker for our communities. The fund does this by helping projects that promote low-carbon heating, low-carbon transport, or the education of Scotland’s workforce for a greener future.

Food Train currently services seven regions across Scotland, including Dumfries & Galloway, West Lothian, Stirling, Dundee, Glasgow, Renfrewshire and the Scottish Borders.

With the new cleaner, greener additions to their fleet, Food Train will be introducing their services to two new regions, East Renfrewshire and Clackmannanshire. Supporting these communities is essential and with the help of the Green Economy Fund they have been enabled to do so sustainably.

Michelle Carruthers, chief executive of Food Train, said: “Food Train is dedicated to breaking down barriers for older people across Scotland and we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to expand our reach and help more older people to eat well and age well. We’re grateful for the contributions of the Green Economy Fund and the support of SP Energy Networks, who’ve allowed us to help more people while also reducing our impact on the environment.”

Frank Mitchell, chief executive of SP Energy Networks, said: “We are helping the Scottish Government deliver its vision of building a cleaner, greener Scotland. That’s why we’re supporting our communities by investing directly in projects that deliver low carbon solutions and create the local economic benefits that can come from driving to zero carbon. We’re delighted to support the work of Food Train across Scotland to pursue their green ambitions while expanding their support to even more of the most vulnerable people in our society.”

To find out more about the Green Economy Fund and the projects it supports, please visit: www.spenergynetworks.co.uk