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Original poster

Foodbank buying items from shops?

482 replies

girlfriend44 · 04/01/2025 21:57

I always thought that foodbanks were given out of date stock when I saw them collecting from shops and supermarkets.
I have now found out they buy items from certain retailers at a reduced price.
They put orders in. Where does the money come from to purchase?
Also they have vans, which cost money in petrol etc.
Anyone else think the same, never realised they were collecting stuff they had ordered in. I thought it was donated to them?÷

OP posts:
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Soangerb · 04/01/2025 22:01

Food banks started with good intentions but are now just completely broken. Around here you have people who have factored in the free food bank food in to their costs, it’s not an ‘emergency’ need but something they account for so they can spend money on other things. “Build it and they will come”.
i have no doubt some are in desperate need but unfortunately many have become reliant on them for all the wrong reasons.

Grumpyoldblonde · 04/01/2025 22:01

They take cash donations which is used to buy what they know they need, didn't you realise this?

theworstmoment · 04/01/2025 22:00

The food bank we go to buys in specific items for us each month (we have dietary requirements) they said they get donations and that’s what they use to buy items they need

DurhamDurham · 04/01/2025 21:59

People donate money as well as food. They don't want out of date food so I'm not sure where you got that from? They want food they can hand to families and individuals who would otherwise be without meals for several days. It's not meant to be a way to get rid of out of date stuff.

Londonrach1 · 04/01/2025 21:59

Of course the money they have donated it used to buy food...what else do you think its used for....yabu...

festivemouse · 04/01/2025 21:58

Our local food bank accept cash donations from people and businesses, to get stock of things they need.

PoissonOfTheChrist · 04/01/2025 21:58

People donate money to food banks.