Food Train makes landmark 1000th delivery

Jun 8 2012 by Johnathon Menzies, Stirling Observer Friday

THOSE behind a volunteer-led shopping service had cause for a double celebration this week as a planned expansion coincided with the project’s 1000th delivery.

Food Train will now be available in Buchlyvie, Balfron, Killearn, Drymen, Gartmore, Aberfoyle, Callander and Brig o’ Turk, respectively, in addition to the region’s more urban areas.

And on Tuesday, June 5 – the same day as the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee – long-time Killearn residents Robert and Doreen West received the 1000th load of groceries from the local Food Train branch.

Mr West said: “We have very good friends and neighbours who have helped with our shopping in the past, but it’s nice not to have to rely on them now we are customers of Food Train.”

Regional manager Fran Thow said that volunteers entered into the spirit of the Jubilee celebrations by sporting Union Flag hats and decorating their van.

All Food Train customers also received a Jubilee cupcake with their delivery on Tuesday, courtesy of Morrisons supermarket.

Food Train is still recruiting volunteers to expand the grocery delivery service to senior citizens throughout Stirlingshire.

For more information telephone 01786 450536 or visit the website www.thefoodtrain.co.uk.

The project got underway in Stirling in November last year.

A similar council-run service, which had a presence within the region for many years and also included things such as prescription collection and errands to the Post Office – among others – is in the process of being phased out.

When Food Train’s arrival was initially flagged-up a spokesperson for Stirling Council said several members of the local authority’s social work department had subsequently been placed on what was referred to as a six-month “re-deployment” programme.