PLANS to expand a lifeline service that provides vital supplies to older people are on track as a charity launches a new campaign.

Food Train, which supports elderly residents across Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire, is urging local people and businesses to back its BOXtober initiative, which will deliver shopping to those who might otherwise have to go without.

Boxes carrying essential groceries can be sponsored for £10 each.

As well as helping to ensure older people do not go without food, the deliveries provide much-needed social contact.

And, as part of the fundraising push throughout October, the charity is demonstrating how the support makes a difference to its work to ensure older people across the local area do not go without vital supplies and life-enhancing social contact.

Emma Black, Food Train’s fundraising and marketing manager, said: “To sponsor a box may seem a simple act but it is one that genuinely makes a difference to our work, helping older people across Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire to live healthier and better lives in their own homes.

“Our volunteers have never met more demand than they have in the past couple of years. The impact of the Covid pandemic on the lives of older people has highlighted the very real need for what we do – and how sponsoring our work makes a real difference.

“BOXtober has become a valuable part of our work to ensure we are best equipped to meet demand.”

Last year’s fundraiser exceeded expectations, with more than 600 boxes being sponsored – and the charity hopes for an even better result this time around.

Each sponsored box will be labelled to recognise the donation for a year. Companies can also have their logo included.

Those who would like to support the campaign can also pay £20 to sponsor a Food Train volunteer’s uniform, while £30 will buy a range of equipment needed to ensure deliveries are made and £50 will provide enough fuel for 175 deliveries.

Food Train is also seeking more volunteers who can support the charity’s work by completing shopping lists in supermarkets or helping to deliver the groceries.

For more details about the BOXtober campaign or to offer your support, visit www.thefoodtrain.co.uk/sponsor-a-box.