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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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About food banks- just a bit surprised really

381 replies

topbannana · 29/04/2013 21:21

I have just come across a notice in the paper from church, appealing for donations for the local food bank.
Thankfully I have never had need for a food bank but I think they are a great idea and I was happy to buy extra and donate.
The list however was quite specific (understandable) but I was amazed to see requests for custard, rice pudding, biscuits and sugar. In my book these would be considered luxuries, in that if I was short on my grocery budget we would forego them.
Surely the food bank is there to supply people with emergency essentials not extras? As it goes I will simply buy loo rolls, pasta, powdered milk or something else off the list and ignore the bits I don't agree with. I don't really think I am but AIBU?

OP posts:
TantrumsAndBalloons · 01/05/2013 11:29

Just as a quick aside, the Salvation Army also collect and distribute food parcels in some areas if anyone was looking for a place to donate, if theres no food banks in the local area.

melika · 01/05/2013 11:30

What are you talking about of course ham is a luxury, have you not heard of Spam? Who do you think you are talking to?

Thewhingingdefective · 01/05/2013 11:34

Chuff me, YABVU and a total tight arse if you begrudge a destitute family a tin of custard.

melika · 01/05/2013 11:35

I'm not objecting to anything in the food banks at all, they can have caviar.

MrsDeVere · 01/05/2013 11:38

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

melika · 01/05/2013 11:40

Where the hell do you get ham for 32p????

Yes, I shop in Aldi.

melika · 01/05/2013 11:41

NOT ~Waitrose, Mrsdevere!

seesensepeople · 01/05/2013 11:47

Well, it finally happened - this thread went the way of all other AIBU threads and became a slanging match.

Thanks Urbane and Melika for hijacking a perfectly reasonable thread.

I will reiterate - if you don't want to donate to a food bank then don't, nobody will force you.

If you think that foodbanks are unnecessary and accessed by scroungers then by all means don't use them.

For the rest of the world out there, tahnsk for caring and please continue to donate.

seesensepeople · 01/05/2013 11:48

*thanks

MrsDeVere · 01/05/2013 11:49

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

melika · 01/05/2013 11:52

Well done to the food banks, for the good work they do.

As long as it goes in the right mouths. ~Thank you and good morning!

MrsDeVere · 01/05/2013 11:53

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

exoticfruits · 01/05/2013 11:53

You can see why people had such a hard time in the workhouse with some of these attitudes! (How dare Oliver Twist ask for more- he should have realised he was lucky to get as much as he did!)

melika · 01/05/2013 11:54

Go away now, Mrs.

Fini.

Wheresmycaffeinedrip · 01/05/2013 11:57

I think some people need to remember that this could be any one of us at any time. To think that basics in all our cupboards are seen as luxuries and parents are lying to get it is absurd. Sounds like some of you would t be happy unless they were eating fag ash covered scraps out the bins. Ffs these are people who have fallen on hard times, they don't need judgement they need help. And good to know that should any of us fall into this situation that we will be deemed as liars or not in need of help for the mere crime of having ham.

Just be thankful it's not you. And if you don't want to then don't donate but shut the hell up about the rest.

helenthemadex · 01/05/2013 12:00

I haven't read all of this because its just so upsetting to see people so lacking in compassion for those in need. I am a huge believer in people working and being able to support themselves but you never know what is round the corner, and when you may need help or support.

I have been one of those people who has had to use a food bank, after my wanker ex left us and refused to support me and our daughters, I was told I was not entitled to any benefits, I'm in France and its a different system here much harder to get help, and it is often a very long time in coming over 4 months in my case.

How can I explain to the self rigthteous pricks on here, Im not stupid or lazy, Im happy to work I dont and didnt want to have handouts but I was in a position where working was not possible for me and I wasnt able to return to the UK either for family support it was very very dark times.

When I was given the voucher for the food bank, I cried, not only with relief but at the absolute humiliation it was absolutely devestating to be be in such a horrible position, and hard to accept that I had come this low its a very bitter pill to swallow. I was however grateful to the people who had donated there were basic items in there but also some 'luxuries' little chocolate puddings and biscuits which my lovely girls enjoyed and made things seem that little bit better, it wasnt out fault we were in this position fortunately I think they were oblivious to most of it.

My life is now a lot better, money is still tight as it is for many families. whenever there is a collection for the food bank I always give and as well as practical items I put one or two luxury items. At some points in life we all need that little something that makes our life that little bit easier.

The irony is that wanker ex and 'christian' in laws brag to their friends about sponsoring children in other countries (a great thing to do) but did nothing to help their own children/grandchildren

suzanski · 01/05/2013 12:04

YABU topbannana I am so surprised to hear this attitude. Do you really think a tin of custard is a luxury?

TantrumsAndBalloons · 01/05/2013 12:14

"as long as it goes in the right mouths"

What do you think, people are using food banks for the fun of it?

This could happen to any of us. Through no fault of our own, not laziness or cant be bothered to work, but sheer bad luck or disaster.

MrsDeVere · 01/05/2013 12:15

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

TantrumsAndBalloons · 01/05/2013 12:19

cheap ham and no ketchup MrsD Grin

wordfactory · 01/05/2013 12:21

I don't get why people get uppity about food banks.

The vast majority of people go to them becuas ehtye have no choice. They wouldn't do ti otherwise.

And if some go because they're feckless, rubish at planning, chaotic or whatever then so what!!!!!! At least we can feed their kids, ca't we?

melika · 01/05/2013 12:26

tant and mrs you are a great team! Were you bullies at school?

wordfactory · 01/05/2013 12:29

But melika who could have the wrong mouths?

Seriously, I wouldn't begrudge the worst junkie a tin of rice pudding!

TantrumsAndBalloons · 01/05/2013 12:30

Bullies? Bullying who exactly?

cozietoesie · 01/05/2013 12:30

Back from ASDA now and no food bin - and no CPL bin either. I feel an email coming on.

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