Sending food anonymously. Is it possible?

[ariboriorice]

Through a random set of circumstances, today I got chatting to a family who are 'middle class' (whatever that means!!) but once all the bills were paid, were struggling to feed their kids. I don't have loads myself but I'd really like to send them some shopping. They'd be utterly mortified if they knew it was me, so is there a way to do this anonymously? I've looked at deliveries/click & collect from all big supermarkets and when it's delivered, it'll have my name on the bit of paper. Want to do it anonymously. Is there a way to do it?

Make sure it's from Waitrose.

Amazon do lots of food staples OP, I wonder if there's an option to send as an anonymous gift from them?
It's so kind of you.

Vouchers, put through their door if you can sneak deliver them?

Op, they’ll probably know it’s you anyway unless the tell anyone who’ll listen that they’re struggling so much.

Once all the bills were paid?

Hmm...silly bills ( Netflix sub, music subs, expensive sky/virgin, high end phones, beauty sub boxes,high credit card,) or essential bills?

I would think that would make them highly uncomfortable I wouldn't eat food that just turned up. Try a supermarket gift card

Its well meant but I think it's a bad idea. If you think they'd be mortified then they likely will be even more so, wondering who the food is from.

They possibly thought they were having a cost of living grumble that most people can relate to - but if you buy food they'll feel like they were begging.

Yes, send them a gift card or vouchers for a supermarket.

There is no bit of paper with Ocado, email receipts

I think this would freak them out and they would hate it!

Another vote for gift card.

How would you even know what they need? You're risking food going to waste if you send them stuff they don't normally use.

What bills are this middle class couple paying that eat their entire middle class wages? Land Rover car repayments? Private School? Horse stables payments?

Tesco don't do paper invoices now they email you

Gift cards in an envelope x

A lot of middle class people couldn’t afford any of that. Many lower middle class families are struggling right now, particularly if they rent or have children in childcare.

Anyway OP, it’s a nice idea but a bit strange. Maybe something like a nice Christmas hamper will have the same sentiment but in a less awkward way?

Childcare? Heating? Insurance?

What's being Middle Class. got to do with it?

Send a link to MoneySavingExpert income and budgeting section. I am being a bit sarky there sorry, but I would not send money, gift cards or food delivery. Maybe they are just having a moan like most are these days, and presumably have family that could help in a crisis. But I admire your thoughfulness just the same.

Do you know this family and do you have their address/phone number/email? Just wondered.

I would guess that if a random food delivery turned up from a supermarket, they would probably turn it away assuming it was a mistake .

Churlish maybe, but anyone who thought it was important to let me know what “class” they considered themselves to be by way of a circumstantial casual chat wouldn’t be getting any of my sympathy or money, to be quite honest. Perhaps they can use the “middle class values” they assume themselves to have to sort themselves out. Donate your money to Crisis or the like.

I would try asking if you can help them with accessing help, or ask if they need help with specific items. Food is ongoing so a few bits realistically won't help much, whereas helping them to get on top of their finances will change their lives

You will have to tell them realistically, if a random unplanned delivery turned up I send it away as I hadn't ordered it.
Maybe offer them a gift card from you or a food hamper at Christmas, but an anonymous food donation turning up will probably either be turned away or weird them out.

Very insensitive. It’s known that a lot of the “middle-level” families are struggling - earn too much to get government help, earn too little to be wealthy. Caught out being in the middle. Your comment is rude and distasteful

I see peoples expenditures every day at work. You'd be really surprised what some people class as essential bills.

Can you try a food hamper? This company we’ve used a few times - comes in a tremendous box and they currently have 20% off. Will be extra fun for the kids to open too??

www.regencyhampers.com/alcohol-free-hampers-for-christmas?gclid=Cj0KCQiAj4ecBhD3ARIsAM4Q_jGoI0aVwyKS1q6nhpUydao8G_QDsd7bUWEdSdBEzkwXkd_6PAqmJHwaAjSsEALw_wcB