If you already have a My Volunteer Account, please sign in below
If not, you can sign up for a free account
Food Train (Scottish Borders)
- VO106004
About this event
Volunteer Shoppers help older people maintain their independence by purchasing groceries on their behalf
using provided shopping lists. The role involves selecting and checking items, choosing suitable
substitutes when needed, and preparing orders for delivery to ensure members receive their shopping
accurately and efficiently.
Volunteering details
Volunteer Shoppers play an important role in supporting older people across the Scottish Borders to
remain independent by ensuring they receive their weekly groceries. Using shopping lists and instructions
provided, volunteers select items in store, paying close attention to accuracy and any specific
requirements. Where an item is unavailable, volunteers choose suitable substitutes to meet members’
needs.
Volunteers check shopping against the list to ensure orders are complete and accurate, scan items
through self-service tills, and complete the payment process. They then pack groceries back into clearly
labelled boxes ready for delivery and collect and organise receipt copies. Through providing a reliable and
friendly service, Volunteer Shoppers help members access essential groceries and continue living
independently within their own homes.
Experience required
No skills or experience required.
Travel details
Meeting point is Tesco Extra Galashiels, shifts start from 7am and usually finish by 10am.
Travel expenses
Bus fairs and fuel costs are reimbursed, usually paid directly into your bank account but cash can be
provided by prior agreement.
Date
15 June 2026
Support
Training details
Volunteers will receive a full induction and guidance on all aspects of the role, including shopping
procedures, selecting suitable substitutions, checking orders for accuracy, and packing and labelling
groceries for delivery. New volunteers will initially be supported through a taster session alongside an
experienced Volunteer Shopper and will have access to ongoing support from the Scottish Borders Food
Train team. Staff and fellow volunteers are available to provide advice, answer questions, and ensure
volunteers feel confident and supported in their role.
Taster
New volunteers are invited to attend a taster session where they will be paired with an experienced
Volunteer Shopper. During the session, volunteers will have the opportunity to see how the service
operates, learn the shopping and packing process, and become familiar with procedures such as choosing
suitable substitutions, checking orders for accuracy, and organising receipts. The taster session provides
a relaxed and supportive introduction to the role and gives volunteers the chance to ask questions and
decide if the opportunity is right for them.
Restrictions
Minimum age: 16
Availability
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Frequency & commitment
Staff are available for support throughout the shopping process and support can be flexible based on need.
Volunteers (aged 16-25) taking part in this opportunity are eligible to claim Saltire Awards hours for their activity.
Find out more
Please fill out this form to register your interest in the opportunity Volunteer Shopper with Food Train (Scottish Borders)
Your email address and phone number will only be used by the organisation/TSI you are contacting to discuss in more detail the opportunity you are enquiring about.
Your details and message will be sent to:
Carla Gomes, Food Train (Scottish Borders)
Carla Gomes, Food Train (Scottish Borders)
Email address: [email protected]
Phone number: 01896751750
Thank you for registering your interest in Volunteer Shopper with Food Train (Scottish Borders).
Food Train (Scottish Borders) has been sent your details and message, they will respond to you at the email address you provided.
Something has gone wrong, please let us know about this issue at [email protected] quoting reference #VO106004.