Minister sees how project delivers for elderly

Local Government Minister Derek Mackay has visited a project which helps older people in West Lothian by bringing them their groceries.

The Food Train is run by volunteers to help elderly residents who struggle to get their weekly shopping.

Mr Mackay met staff from the part-government funded project yesterday.

He said: “The Food Train is a brilliant example of the third sector, local government and central government working together to make people’s lives better on the ground.

“Bringing older people their weekly groceries can make the difference between someone being able to stay in their home, and having to move into care.

“Not only does this mean a better outcome for the older person, but the relatively small expense of bringing groceries can help save the much larger cost of a residential home place.”