A new scheme has been launched to improve diets and reduce health inequalities among older people.
The Meal Makers project will encourage people to cook an extra meal which can be given to isolated older people living in their communities. It is aimed at reducing food poverty, improving diets and breaking down the barriers that lead to loneliness.
An online web platform has been set up to connect volunteers with older people who might benefit from an extra meal. The volunteer will then cook an extra portion of their own food and deliver it to the older person they are matched with.
Meal Makers is funded by the Scottish Government which is providing an initial £60,000 to set up the project, with another £60,000 being provided by the Rank Foundation. The project is being run by the Food Train, a charity which provides befriending, household support and grocery shopping, with the help of Community Food and Health (Scotland), who work in low income communities to improve access and take-up of health diet. The scheme will launch as a pilot scheme in Dundee.
Recipients of the meals will be identified by agencies who are in contact with older people, or will be able to register themselves.
Michael Matheson, Minister for Public Health, said: “Reducing health inequality is one of the priorities of this government. But we know that the solutions don’t lie exclusively with the health service. One of the best ways to reduce health inequality is to bring people together, break down barriers in the community, and reduce isolation. Another key way is to improve diet and the availability of nutritious food, so Meal Makers is beneficial on a number of levels.
“I believe there are plenty of people out there who would love to help an older person in their community, but might not know how to go about it. Meal Makers uses an accessible website to make that connection.”
Michelle McCrindle, Chief Executive of the Food Train, said: “We are thrilled and excited to be launching this new neighbourhood meal sharing project, which will connect people and local communities through food. Based on the successful Casserole Club concept developed by Futuregov, our new Meal Makers version for Scotland will help bring together volunteer cooks of all ages to help share good home cooked food with local older people struggling to cook for themselves.
“Food Train has a long history of creating universal food access for older people through our highly successful grocery shopping delivery service. Meal Makers will provide a much needed and welcome extension to our service provision and help fulfil our vision to get older people across Scotland eating well.”
Background:
For more information, to register as a cook, or to refer someone as a diner, visit: www.mealmakers.org.uk.
