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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Should I use a food bank in my situation?

519 replies

Lionking1981 · 19/08/2017 01:38

I am 200 pounds down on my normal wages this month due to taking unpaid parental leave when my Dd was ill. Overspent the first week of the month trying to occupy the kids. Then my oven broke and had to replace it. Been living out the freezer and store cupboard since. To cut the story short, I now have 30 pounds to survive 10 days til payday. I have 3 small joints of lamb in the freezer, a box
of waffles and some fish fingers. A few tins of baked beans, tomatoes and soup in cupboard.

My friend says to go to the foodbank but I am super uncomfortable about it. We earn over 40k between us and i don't think food banks are there for people like us but it is going to be really hard to feed a family of 4 on this. However, we will be fine next month. Would you just make do for the 10 days?

OP posts:
GreenTulips · 19/08/2017 14:18

You'd have to be hard of heart in the extreme to stop donations because a mumsnet thread got your back up

Or a crap government that treats the poorest people as a drain on society

Food banks should exist in a first world country - there shouldn't be a need

Viviennemary · 19/08/2017 14:18

That was a really good post Lurked. How sensible. I might even contribute to a foodbank after what you wrote.

PovertyPain · 19/08/2017 14:22

Don't worry, OP, I'd say there's a very good chance that those that are saying they will not give, have never given in the first place. It just gives them a nice warm glow to believe that there are no truely poor people, unless they've abused drugs, alcohol or are just 'scroungers'.

Loneranger14 · 19/08/2017 14:24

OP have u got PayPal I could transfer u £20 if it would help u out although I don't have much myself

RidingWindhorses · 19/08/2017 14:25

I can't believe my query would put people off donating. I have already agreed that i do not fit the criteria.

I can't believe it either OP. People have been put off donating to foodbanks by someone who has never used one before and is not using one now?

Either they didn't ever donate and said it to make a point or they're rather unpleasant.

gardenmintflower · 19/08/2017 14:25

Lone

Please don't do that. Very foolish.

RidingWindhorses · 19/08/2017 14:27

Don't worry, OP, I'd say there's a very good chance that those that are saying they will not give, have never given in the first place

Sadly I think you may be right.

user1487689176 · 19/08/2017 14:27

*Or a crap government that treats the poorest people as a drain on society

Food banks should exist in a first world country - there shouldn't be a need*

Well I didn't vote for the cunts. No food banks shouldn't exist but they do. Reality of life under the tories. While there is a need I will continue supporting them. I also wish we didn't need womens refuges and rape crisis centres but sadly we do.

HarveySchlumpfenburger · 19/08/2017 14:28

Jace, they may have sorted something out.

The number of families in long term food poverty due to the current government is an increasing pressure and something that food banks weren't set up to deal with. Some do have systems that will support people where the current rules really will leave them without food.

SomeOtherFuckers · 19/08/2017 14:28

Make the lamb ... buy bulk pasta and rice ( aldi penne is 20p) and some passata .. make pasta and rice dishes... buy some one brand cereal ... you'll be fine

Loneranger14 · 19/08/2017 14:28

I know I think she's been very foolish she seems to earn a lot and I myself am only on benefits and have no family, as I grew up in care but if the OP is that desperate to write it on here knowing what most people would say then if she's that desperate I'll help

Yorkshirebetty · 19/08/2017 14:29

I will continue to donate, but have to admit that I am shocked that the OP would consider it, and that others would encourage her. I hope she looks at the brilliant posts on here from people managing on little and gets on better next month, and is never so desperate that she requires their services.

MrsOverTheRoad · 19/08/2017 14:30

HotHead I certainly don't have a freezer full of food. I have currently got a packet of ice lollies and some frozen left over soup.

No joints of meat or chicken pieces or anything. I buy food for a week at a time. I don't have money for extra.

gardenmintflower · 19/08/2017 14:30

I meant your offer was foolish Lone

user1490465531 · 19/08/2017 14:34

Lone are you serious? please don't tell me you are this naive in real life to?

Loneranger14 · 19/08/2017 14:34

@gardenmintflower maybe your right to kind for my own good always have been

Loneranger14 · 19/08/2017 14:34

@gardenmintflower maybe your right to kind for my own good always have been

user1490465531 · 19/08/2017 14:35

Not meant nastily but there are a lot of people that would take advantage of your kind nature.

quercuscircus · 19/08/2017 14:36

Lone she is not desperate, That is the point.

Her friend just saw a foodbank as a chance to get free 'money' rather than to have budget. The OP herself says she is fine for money usually.

gardenmintflower · 19/08/2017 14:40

It is not kindness. Kindness is a positive trait. Offering money to a woman with £30 and food in the cupboards is not kind but extremely foolish. The quote is "a fool and his money are soon parted", not "a kind person and their money are soon parted!"

quercuscircus · 19/08/2017 14:41

I think lone yes you are too kind... because you are or have been in dire straights then you think others claiming to be 'hard up' will be as strapped as you are... but really a lot of people who think they are short of money just really are not. Its lovely to be of a generous spirit but so long as you aren't taken advantage of.

Downtheroadfirstonleft · 19/08/2017 14:41

I wouldn't necessarily mind my donations going to someone on the OP's income, I understand that they might have high but necessary outgoings, or be going through a tough patch.

I would however mind them going to someone who had a load of food in their freezer!

Craigie · 19/08/2017 14:44

You can't just go to a food bank, you need to qualify & be referred.

RidingWindhorses · 19/08/2017 14:49

What a lovely person you are Lone. Of course the OP may not be genuine, this is the internet etc

It's interesting that it's the posters with the least money who are the most sympathetic and least judgemental.

Passthecake30 · 19/08/2017 14:49

I think if I was in this situation, I'd get the kids a couple of play dates and ask a friend for a £20 loan, or sell something for £20. That would be plenty to make do on top of the £30.

If you knew you had no reserves then you shouldn't have splurged so much on the kids so early on in the holiday

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