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AIBU?

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Original poster

To use a Food Bank if I also had a holiday last month?

392 replies

NoseAboveWater · 09/12/2016 17:20

Checked my account this week and it's not good. I've had a few job options not work out. I now have an offer for February for part time so I'm obviously very happy, however it is minimun wage and freelance so I feel cautious about taking on a payday loan just in case. Not eligible for proper loan from bank as no income right now.

I went on holiday with a new bf last month before things got so serious with my money situation. Part of me thinks I need to prioritize rent and bills I can just about pay until new job starts, if I don't really buy food for the second half of December - I have plenty of food for about a week. However, I should not have gone away so it's my own stupid fault and so really don't deserve any help from the Food Bank. I've been hanging around supermarkets late for a few days trying to get reduced items but not having much luck. Been looking online for information about getting thrown away food from restaurants at night, not found anything yet, but if anyone knows where I could get that that would be great?

I cannot ask family or friends and certainly not bf. Wwyd? No children btw it's only myself so no worry there.

OP posts:
HoopsandEverything · 09/12/2016 22:12

In real life you're looked down on by near enough everyone if you have MH issues

This is not my experience at all. I've had three bad experiences, from just two people. No issues from anyone else that's aware of it.

creakyknees13 · 09/12/2016 22:13

Faux compassion, that's what it is. FML

What do you mean by that post, MrsPeppa? I would be sympathetic to the OP even if she did not have MH issues. I would not want anyone to go hungry (apart from maybe Nigel Farage...) I also have compassion towards people with MH issues because I have had them myself and I know what a struggle life can be. I know there is stigma from the rest of society, but there are a lot of people who are kind and feel empathy for those in difficult situations.

RedNailsAndRedDress · 09/12/2016 22:14

Why can't you get a temp job? Go to an agency with your CV on Monday and you'd be doing emergency cover temping by the end of the week. There's really no excuse not to be working until February.

Biffsboys · 09/12/2016 22:17

I donate to food banks , for people that need food . No need to know why - if your desperate enough to go to a food bank then you need it x

ellamoromou · 09/12/2016 22:19

Another who hopes the OP has been reading the latter posts.

I echo other posters OP, you are in need, you don't have the means to get food, you're unemployed with no means of obtaining any funds (I do fortunately have several family/friends I could go to if in dire need, some unfortunately can't comprehend that some won't through no fault of their own, and no, don't spill your life story on here for some to gawp over and feel superior) Sad

If only we were like some posters on here and were gifted with the blessing of hindsight - pfft

sj257 · 09/12/2016 22:34

The food Bank people keep standing in our local supermarket asking people to donate food. I find it really uncomfortable because there are times we can only just afford food for ourselves, however I feel judged if I say no. In the past when we've had nothing we have resorted to credit cards, it would never cross my mind to go to a food Bank before exhausting all other possible solutions.

VeryBitchyRestingFace · 09/12/2016 22:40

Why can't you get a temp job? Go to an agency with your CV on Monday and you'd be doing emergency cover temping by the end of the week

Even assuming the jobs are out there just falling off trees, how is OP supposed to eat during that month she awaits her first pay cheque?

And then of course, travelling to work usually costs money, unless you're lucky enough to find a job within walkable distance.

LyingWitchInTheWardrobe2726 · 09/12/2016 22:41

sj257, well maybe you will think of them, if you need them in future. Any of us could be in that position and there is no stigma or need for shame. It's a terrible shame that people DO need them but that is largely down to a bad Government and I'm grateful that they (the foodbanks) are there to help if and when needed.

I donate too, as often as I can and I'm glad to be able to do that. I really hope that OP can bring herself to go to one because, as other posters have already said, "She's welcome to my food" - and so is anybody else who needs it.

Tarla · 09/12/2016 22:42

Why can't you get a temp job? Go to an agency with your CV on Monday and you'd be doing emergency cover temping by the end of the week

Can you guarantee this? And will the OP get paid at the end of the week too? It's far more likely she won't receive her first pay until the end of the month by which point she'll have been two weeks without food.

This has been explained by several posters.

Yes, the OP should look for work however that won't get her money or food right now which is when she needs it.

Suppermummy02 · 09/12/2016 22:47

I have got some money left this week, should I go on holiday and use the food bank when I come home. Or buy some food and support myself? Hmmmm?

BratFarrarsPony · 09/12/2016 22:49

oh give it a rest suppermummy....
We have all made poor decisions at one time or another havent we?

LyingWitchInTheWardrobe2726 · 09/12/2016 22:50

How about trying a little bit of empathy, Suppermummy. What are you getting out of slapping down an OP who is worried, sad and trying to think of how to feed herself? What kind of human being are you?

expatinscotland · 09/12/2016 22:51

'Why can't you get a temp job? Go to an agency with your CV on Monday and you'd be doing emergency cover temping by the end of the week. There's really no excuse not to be working until February.'

Still not going to help her immediate situation as she won't get paid right away, hence, she needs to get a referral for a food bank, go to Salvation Army, visit a Sikh temple, etc.

EmeliaHerveyHenryFitzroy · 09/12/2016 22:52

Nice bit of sanctimonious twattery there, suppermummy

EmeliaHerveyHenryFitzroy · 09/12/2016 22:53

And, yeah, way to woman up, Anyfucker

Good on ya.

creakyknees13 · 09/12/2016 22:53

Suppermummy02 you should be ashamed of yourself. I hope your kids grow up with more compassion than you have.

Justaboy · 09/12/2016 22:57

Anyfucker takes a bit of guts to apologise like that. Pity a few others haven't got the decency sometimes.

Interesting to hear that Waitrose drop their prices after dark! Pity they couldn't reduce them at other times seem the most expensive extortionate bunch around! We're now starting to give an elderly neighbour a lift to Tesco or Sainsburys as she can' walk that far now and can't afford them anymore.

MrsPeppapig · 09/12/2016 23:03

What I mean is creakyknees is I battle my MH issues on my own, and privately. As soon as the authorities know you're a crazy, your life is under their control, and you're documented as being a risk and a second citizen. There is plenty of stigma from all corners of society. All the campaigns to raise awareness are complete bullshit.

MrsPeppapig · 09/12/2016 23:03

and

LyingWitchInTheWardrobe2726 · 09/12/2016 23:04

We do that as well, Justaboy, take our next door neighbour to Aldi when we go.

Talking of Waitrose, as much as I do like some of their products, I was appalled to see them taking foods off the shelf, opening them (to prevent anybody taking them) and putting them straight into a wheeled bin for disposal. It was at one of the services. I asked about it and was told 'it's company policy'... crazy. Perfectly edible food being chucked away. It's criminal.

I'm glad that supermarkets are taking a hit from the Aldi/Lidl chains. There are enough people now that patronise these (perceived) lower-end supermarkets that the others need to follow suit with their pricing.

ItShouldHaveBeenJingleJess · 09/12/2016 23:04

Agree, justaboy - I have a lot of respect for a poster who admits they were wrong. And good on you for helping your neighbour out.

dangerrabbit · 09/12/2016 23:06

Try olio you can get free expired food from the app.

ellamoromou · 09/12/2016 23:13

Why can't you get a temp job? Go to an agency with your CV on Monday and you'd be doing emergency cover temping by the end of the week

Sorry but this is rubbish. Apart from the fact, IME, HR take a frustrating time to process applications never mind contacting referees etc - Unless you're prepared to work illegally 'cash in had' then advice like that is horllix.

Justaboy · 09/12/2016 23:13

LyingWitchInTheWardrobe do they really make good food unusable?.

There's about nothing that offends me more then to see food go to waste. That does seem a rather de arranged company policy.

No wonder their so fecking expensive!

Aeroflotgirl · 09/12/2016 23:22

OP does not sound like she is in a goid relationship, coukd possibly be abusive, that is a separate issue, her mum also us toxic and a no no.

Unless you are working in a food bank or with poor families, you have no right telling op not to go to one. Op go to it, and see what they say. Op sounds in a desparate situation, her circumstances have changed, the holiday is in the past, she needs to eat now! Mabey she can it afford those suggested foods right now. Even the poor have a right to dignity, who wants to live off porridge forever more.