food banks

i donated a bag of shopping to our local food bank today, mum and sister donate too. Anyone else donate?

 

Our lo-cal supermarket has a bit at the checkout are to donate to food banks..we always put something in it every week..so sad that things have got this bad that people out their are struggling to feed themselves

 

And without any disrespect to the genuinely needy people who are struggling to make ends meet, (as they need to get a referral from health visitor, social worker, etc.) and despite us managing quite well whilst being classed as in poverty, we manage quite well.

My wife previously worked providing financial advice to those in danger of losing their homes and some people actually made official complaints against those who suggested they could grow their own veg to save money because "they didn't want to eat nasty, muddy vegetables"

So we decline any offers to donate every time we visit a supermarket and see the bucket shakers as we reckon the majority of the people they'te collecting for are better off than us

 

Our supermarkets do it also and I gave a bag at Aldi last week ... and will again this week if they are still there. Normally they request rice, milk (long life), juices etc (staples that don't spoil, can't be fresh items) guess it's the same there, but this week I added a lovely Stollen Christmas Cake.

 

i had a cupboard full of stuff the kids wont eat (fussy they are!) so donated them as would rather see someone benefiting rather than it going in the bin x i understand where your coming from scrungee but as the old saying goes "there's always someone worse off than yourself" i just feel so sorry these places are needed in this day and age its very sad x

 

yeh same as here @Victoria

 

I volunteer at the local food bank but I also give when there is a food drive on at the supermarket.

There is a lot of misinformation about, some people seem to think people just come in each week and get a lot of groceries like going to the supermarket like some big freebie and they are all skivving. We have a limit of 3 food parcels over 3 weeks unless in extreme distress. And people have to be assessed by GP or social services for referral. I'm sure like everything else there are a minority who work the system.

I do get to know why most of the people are there. Surprisingly a lot of people are working but on low paid jobs or zero hours contracts (I think these things should be banned!!) and very unreliable income. A fair number have been sanctioned by DWP and their benefits cancelled for a certain number of weeks, in the meantime they have no money. Sadly there are a fair few people with obvious mental health problems or have addiction problems. I hate little kiddies lining up with their mums, heartbreaking.

I get quite torn about it really. It is not the answer in a civilized society and the 6th richest country in the world or whatever we are. It is a lifesaver for many, but I don't think it should become a way of life to prop up the governments ineffective benefits system and ridiculous sanction system (research indicates 60% of people sanction by DWP get their sanctions overturned - of course by this time it is to late the damage is done and they are at the food bank, goodness knows how they pay their other bills) and businesses underpaying people.

Still knowing and seeing the people come in for food, I realise that many people are right on the edge and in a bad way. Of course its embarrassing for them too, so we try to create a jolly atmosphere of sorts.

Sorry bit of a rant there.

GG

 

There's ways to get free dogfood/catfood to donate to foodbanks that I've posted as being free donations to cat/dog charities in posts above.

I'm not suggesting needy folks eat dog/cat food, but they need it to feed their pets

 

will take a look @Scrungee cheers mum will be interested too as she donates to dogs trust x

 

Something else for the something for nothing brigade

Benefits are usually stopped for failure to comply with the rules
Now if my family depended on me with nothing to do all week but must sign on at 11:00
on a Tuesday or not get my £80, I reckon I would be at the door on time, even if I had had
to walk twelve miles or more to meet the request

The look on their faces, when they get potatoes they have to peel and cook rather than a Vesta dried meal for one or tins of beans which they can eat with their Vodka

Jack McH

 

[QUOTE="Scrungee, post: 878838, member: 11"
I'm not suggesting needy folks eat dog/cat food, but they need it to feed their pets[/QUOTE]

T'other half and I are animal lovers ... but we would never have pets if we can't feed ourselves for heaven's sake and we know one particular person here in this situation who is unemployed due to health issues and has seven dogs (and perhaps a cat and chicken or two)!

[QUOTE="Scrungee, post: 878838, member: 11"
There's ways to get free dogfood/catfood to donate to foodbanks that I've posted as being free donations to cat/dog charities in posts above.[/QUOTE]

And not everyone has access to the internet and printers ... especially if they are destitute beyond their control in order to take advantage of these offers ... and then have the means of transport and fuel to get to the various places to collect the 'goodies'

 

Hi Victoria - I know of some "animal lovers" who would take in a stray, or more, out of compassion for those animals, and still go without, themselves, in order to feed those animals. It happens.
As for Scrungee posting a link for free pet food - I think that is aimed at those who do have internet/printers and can afford to be generous of heart and spirit (aka internet/printers) so that those who cannot gain internet/printer access can benefit from the generous spirit of others more fortunate. So, should be applauded, not critiqued? But, you know that (I know you do ).

No one can help/assist every case - but, I think this thread is more about considering what little part we may all play in giving just a little bit?

My only (and very personal gripe!) concern is that at this time of year, it can be easy to tap into someone's heartstrings/compassion ... but there are a whole 11 months of the year which still matter. Probably matter more, in fact.

Drawing on an age old saying (and apologies for related plagiarism/bastardisation):
A compassionate nature is for life; not just Christmas

 

But anybody reading this post has access to the internet and most offers have a send voucher by post option, we get up to £100's worth of freebies

 

I've been in dire straights before. Gone round the village selling bunches of herbs to make a few pennies.

Hats off to the Jehovah's Witnesses, sold them a bunch and later on had a knock on the door only to find a food parcel on the doorstep.

Looked round the corner to see them hurrying away

Bless em

 

Rotary Club have similar history/credentials

There are some really compassionate, giving, caring people out there - and they don't ask for awards