Age Scotland has urged Glasgow City Council to reconsider its decision to axe funding for a charity that supports and feeds older people.
Glasgow Food Train is on the brink of closure after the local authority failed to extend its funding for the Govanhill-based charity that it has been supporting for the last 10 years.
It has been warned that hundreds of older people across the city face going hungry if the lifeline charity which provides shopping and meal-making services for them closes.
Read more: Pensioner who ended up in hospital malnourished says Glasgow Food Train funding cut is 'horrific'
All Food Train members have access to befriending activities, including one-to-one home visits and group outings, as well as a low-level practical support service at home.
Demand for Food Train’s services across Glasgow rocketed by 70% at the peak of the pandemic as older people were forced to isolate in their own homes.
Age Scotland's chief executive has urged the council to reconsider its decision that will have a 'devastating impact on some of Glasgow's most vulnerable residents'.
Mark O’Donnell added: "It’s a real blow to see the Food Train in Glasgow in this position and set to lose their funding for such a vital service. We know local authorities are facing challenging decisions right now, but this will have a devastating impact on some of Glasgow’s most vulnerable residents.
“Organisations such as Food Train provide services which are often a lifeline to hundreds of older people, offering support to those at risk of malnutrition and loneliness who often have nowhere else to turn. With the cost of living crisis placing an increasing number of people under strain, their work has been even more crucial.
“If the council do not consider maintaining older people’s access to food enough of a priority to protect then we are really are in trouble.
“We would urge councillors to reconsider this decision as a matter of urgency and call on the Scottish Government to step in if necessary to safeguard the future of Food Train Glasgow.
“It’s heartbreaking to think of this service coming to an end after 10 years of supporting older people, and begs the question of who would support these older people if Food Train Glasgow is forced to close their doors for good.”
Glasgow Food Train is now holding new funding talks with the council to see if other sources of support can be identified.
If they are unsuccessful, the charity could face closure as early as March.
Food Train chief executive Michelle Carruthers said: “We’re deeply disappointed for our older members that the committee decided not to support us, despite us making all councillors aware of the stark situation we face. It’s terribly sad.
“Unless we can find a new funding source - and fast - our Glasgow branch faces closure within weeks. That’s a scandalous prospect, one that will leave hundreds of people in every corner of the city in danger of going hungry. Who else is going to deliver their food?
“We are, however, heartened that the council has entered dialogue. The importance of progressing these discussions positively cannot be underestimated.”
Service user Walter Izatt, who has motor neurone disease and is housebound, told Glasgow Live that ended up in hospital severely malnourished before he received help from the charity.
He added: "It cannot be measured against anything and without them delivering my shopping I will starve, I don't mean to be dramatic but I really can't see any other outcome."
Councillor Christina Cannon, City Convener for Education, Communities and Equalities previously told Glasgow Live: “This has been a comprehensive, robust open and transparent process that has resulted in £50 million of grant funding being distributed to 235 organisations across the city to help our citizens and communities most in need.
“This is a huge investment in the third sector and organisations who will deliver a variety of support across the three main aims of the Glasgow Communities Fund (GCF) – equalities, arts and culture and supporting communities.
“We know that organisations who have not been recommend for grant funding will be disappointed and officers will be offering feedback and meaningful support around capacity building and financial advice on other sources of funding.
“This has been delivered to groups throughout the GCF funding period – with specialist help offered in the way of workshops and bespoke support to help organisations to become future proof.
“Unfortunately we do not have an infinite pot of money and we need to use the resources of the council – especially during these challenging, financial times – and use what we do have in the most supportive and effective way to meet the needs of Glaswegians and our communities.”
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