Free Christmas meal for West Lothian pensioners
Nearly 4,700 West Lothian pensioners are set to enjoy a free meal or event this Christmas.
West Lothian Council has confirmed that all 69 groups who applied have been successful in their bid for funding from the Pensioner's Christmas Fund 2023/24.
A dedicated fund of £29,000 will be shared between the groups, which will allow them to provide a special Christmas meal, event or activity for their group's members or service users.
Most of the groups have chosen to receive grant funding to cover the cost of their event, with three groups deciding to receive dinners cooked and delivered by the West Lothian Food Network instead. This option was put in place during Covid restrictions when groups could not meet in person.
West Lothian's Older Persons Champion, Councillor Anne McMillan, said: "I'm delighted that we are able to provide a free meal for so many West Lothian pensioners this Christmas.
"We have a number of groups in West Lothian who carry out fantastic work with our older people, and it's great we can support them in this way.
"Special thanks to our partners at the West Lothian Food Network for providing the option of the delivery of cooked meals for those who prefer it.
"I hope everyone involved has a wonderful Christmas meal or event, and best wishes for the festive season."
