To e really uncomfortable about this food bank usage?

[EssieTregowan]

It's not strictly a food bank, it's a local church community project, they get donated out of date food and run a free cafe, and every few weeks they run a free drop in where you can basically pick up what you like.

It is advertised as for everybody, tbf, but their website is very clear that its aim is to tackle food poverty.

My sister has been three times and keeps sharing the link and gushing about all the free food she's been getting.

I am really, really uncomfortable with this. They have three holidays a year, drive a new car, both have good jobs. They are not in any way in poverty. She is very tight and loves a bargain (nothing wrong with that) and is chuffed to bits to be getting a crate of free food every few weeks.

It makes me feel a bit sick though. I can't say anything in real life as I'll look like a bitch and probably be accused of being jealous

Aibu? This just strikes me as all kinds of wrong but I'm prepared to be told otherwise.

[Foxcovert]

secretSmellies free prescriptions for children is a core philosophy of the NHS. I think it would cost more to police any exceptions. I am sorry if you feel judged for needing duplicate meds at school. GPs know the score, it should not be questioned.
My issue is people obtaining over the counter meds like paracetamol and headlice treatment from Pharmacy First when they are perfectly capable of paying for it. That exposes the NHS to extra costs it could do without.
Back to the OP, not a food bank as such but the affluent taking food may mean someone needy can't get something if they come along
later. Maybe a last half hour thing for anyone would solve this, and prevent wastage?

[SecretSmellies]

Oh I agree with you about over the counter meds. I see what you mean now.... I have a very current frustration with the prescription issue because I have to (quite seriously) argue with my GP at the start of every school year about duplicate meds, due to 'the cost'. But every year I get the GP grumbling about the cost which frustrates me because I have offered to pay.

I understand that means testing and policing exceptions would cost more and I'm not advocating that. I would advocate a voluntary 'pay in' system. Now in my case- say that I opt to pay in the £8 prescription fee for DS's meds (I understand that often the £8 does not cover the cost of the medicine...but it might help to bridge a bit of the gap) then I would be paying in about £40.00 per month. I can afford that and would happily do it, and I am sure if there was a voluntary opt in option then others would be too. I also understand that some people simply cannot afford such simple things as calpol etc, and that others abuse the system by getting it for free under-prescription when they really ought to be a bit more socially minded. I just thought (in my ignorance, probably) that a voluntary contribution scheme would not be that hard to implement and might serve to alleviate some of the NHS funding hemorrhaging?

[Foxcovert]

SecretSmellies you are a diamond in our -generally getting more morally bankrupt- society, as is the OP.
If we had more socially responsible citizens then maybe the world would be a better place.
I think the only option in your dilemma is to ask for a private prescription, then you'd pay the full cost, and not the NHS, and I don't see that as really fair as the free prescription is based on DS ability to pay, not yours. I applaud your willingness to contribute though.
As for GP, feedback on patient opinion or GP site feedback? They are not Gods! x

[Frege]

I can see that it's much better for the church to give to anyone who asks rather than risk people in genuine need not asking, even if that means some people take the piss.

I'd be inclined to reply to your sister's next email along the lines of "Glad the church was able to help you. I hadn't realised money was tight- what's happened? Do let me know if I can do anything."

[KrytensNanobots]

Is it a foodbank or one of those schemes where out of date food (ie best before date) is distributed/used up in the cafe/restaurant dinners and free food distributed for all?
As they're two different things.
Either way though, I wouldn't feel right taking so much when there's so many out there in genuine need. She's massively taking the piss if she doesn't need any help.