Volunteers wanted for meal-sharing Food Train project with older people in Fife

Food Train is aiming to extend the reach of its Meal Makers initiative across the region and has appointed a new development officer to spearhead its growth.

The older people’s charity has a waiting list of over-65s locally who are keen to become part of the scheme, credited with making a transformational difference to the lives of those who take part, thanks to home-cooked food and good company.

Meal Makers is a community food sharing project which sees volunteer cooks matched one-to-one with an older person. On a regular basis, the volunteer makes a meal which they take to their match, spending time with them as they drop the food off.

It is a simple act which Louisa Turner, recently appointed as development officer for Food Train Meal Makers in Fife, says can have a big impact.

Urging volunteers to come forward, she said: “Bringing your joy of cooking, contributing to society and making a difference to someone’s life voluntarily, is life affirming.

“You will be richer from your volunteering. Seeing the joy in your matched diner when you visit or drop off your home-cooked meal reinforces the difference you are making with a simple everyday task.

“Relationships can build to the extent that the diner becomes like extended family.”

Training and ongoing support is provided by Food Train as part of its Meal Makers work.

“There is no need to be a professional cook or to cook elaborate meals that take half a day to make,” Louisa, from Dunfermline, added. “The meals made and gifted are decided upon between you and your diner - as is the frequency of the meals, once a week or once a fortnight.

“You can help improve the life of an older person at risk of malnutrition to a healthy older person interested in life around them”

”Louisa’s role in the region is supported by Fife Council. Meal Makers nationally receives funding from the Scottish Government.

Prior to joining Meal Makers, Louisa was a development officer with the Scottish Older People’s Assembly, roles she has also held with Fife Centre for Equalities and the former Bennochy Church of Scotland in Kirkcaldy.

She describes Meal Makers as “a simple neighbourhood idea that delivers much more than a home-cooked meal”.

Having been familiar with the project through her other roles - and hearing the experiences of a friend who volunteers as a cook - Louisa says she knows the difference that Meal Makers has.

“The healthy home-cooked meal is an added bonus to the relationships which develop,” she said.

“Loneliness is dispelled when volunteers visit. Visitors enable the older person to feel valued, seen and heard. When they then speak with their loved ones, they have something more to share with them.

“The older people feel more energised with the regular nutritious meals and friendship, which helps with prevention of certain illnesses as their immune systems are boosted.”

To find out more about becoming a Meal Makers volunteer in Fife, email [email protected] or call 0141 551 8118.