Meal Makers is run by the Food Train across Dumfries and Galloway, pairing people who love cooking and are happy to share an extra portion of home-cooked food with an older person who appreciates a freshly-prepared meal and a chat.
Dumfries home economics teacher Nicola Reynolds, 52, has been paired with 95-year-old Elizabeth Wickenden, who lives just a few minutes from her, since June 2019. Such is their bond that Nicola has even taken her Christmas dinner – pictured.
Urging others to sign up, Nicola said: “You don’t have to be a hugely confident cook to do it – just be willing to make a little extra food once a week, to deliver it and have a nice chat. It’s a great experience to be part of.”
Elizabeth added: “It’s the company I like, as well as the food coming in. We’ve built a really nice friendship as well.”
Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway is helping promote the project and CEO Norma Austin Hart said: “We are delighted to be working with Food Train on this project, as many vulnerable people still require support. Innovative partnership working will help get meals to those in need, delivered by a very experienced third sector organisation with deep roots in Dumfries and Galloway.” To volunteer call 0800 783 7770 or email [email protected].
