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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think that food banks who limit to three weeks are as mean spirited as Universal Credit?

186 replies

MammaTJ · 21/12/2017 21:39

I have been reading on FB about someone struggling due to problems with universal credit. They say they have used their three food banks and an extra two they gave them!

When I had to have food bank boxes I got one a week until I told them I did not need them any more, I had them for around 8 months. I think three or five is mean and people in need are people in need until they no longer need it, ie, their circumstances change!

My change was actually getting PIP, which meant an extra £300 a month!

AIBU?

OP posts:
Original poster
MammaTJ · 21/12/2017 22:05

were you lazy?

See above where I say I got PIP!! That was backdated from the day I applied for it, it took a while, believe me. Not lazy, in fucking need! Cannot work due to disability!

Well done Gamerchick for attacking someone on disability benefit for being, well, disabled!

OP posts:
Spartaca · 21/12/2017 22:06

I'm talking about foodbanks being careful. They need to manage and protect their supplies.

gamerchick · 21/12/2017 22:06

You need to read my post again.

SoftSheen · 21/12/2017 22:07

YABU. Food banks are charities, which are run by volunteers, and rely on donations from ordinary people, many of whom aren't necessarily very well off themselves. They are supposed to provide short-term, emergency assistance.

Save your anger for the people responsible for UC.

crunchymint · 21/12/2017 22:08

Sadly lots of charities, and I am talking about smaller ones like food banks that rely on volunteers, have a very limited amount of money and donations. So they do have to limit it.

Original poster
MammaTJ · 21/12/2017 22:08

I just don't get why I was able to get them week after week and this person has only been able to get 5, in spite of obviously being in need! The limit seems mean to me!

OP posts:
crunchymint · 21/12/2017 22:09

It may depend on where you live and the amount of money and donations they have coming in.

gamerchick · 21/12/2017 22:09

I swear I never thought I’d see something like food banks being criticised for not helping enough.

You’re focusing on the wrong people OP. Fighting over the scraps Sad

Bambamrubblesmum · 21/12/2017 22:10

I think Gamerchick was making a point about sweeping statements that you missed OP.

Spartaca · 21/12/2017 22:10

Can you see the reasoning being explained to you?

Was the one you accessed a trussell trust bank? As they are the ones who set a 3 time in 6 month guideline. They are all different, and if it was the same bank it could be they felt you were more in need than her.

AnneLovesGilbert · 21/12/2017 22:10

You were lucky OP. Would you have no cap at all?

Rudgie47 · 21/12/2017 22:11

Theres other places you can go for free food if you are desperate. Sikh temples will sort you out with a free meal and in a lot of places there are food projects where you just pay what you want for a bag of shopping.Its what the supermarkets have given away.

Lunde · 21/12/2017 22:11

These Charity Foodbanks are trying to cope but they are not a public service - if they run out of donations then no-one will be helped some weeks so they try to ration it to keep it fair

MrsGrindah · 21/12/2017 22:12

OP you are not listening to people. Food banks do not have an infinite supply of stuff..they have to draw the line somewhere. When you used one they clearly had more than the one you are talking about now.

ivykaty44 · 21/12/2017 22:12

How on earth can you think that donations of food from general public to be distributed evenly is mean spirited then you clearly need to wobble your head

Nothing at all mean spirited about food banks, the donations the volunteers or distributing the food out so everyone gets some food

Awwlookatmybabyspider · 21/12/2017 22:12

Sorry to change the topic, but apparently UC has been brought in so that it encourages people to get jobs. Putting people into absolute dire straits will not make jobs magically appear. Angry

KathArtic · 21/12/2017 22:12

Don't forget you will be getting your PIP Christmas bonus OP - why don't you donate to a foodbank?

Original poster
MammaTJ · 21/12/2017 22:13

Gamerchick, I just did, and I apologise! No, it is not a race to the bottom! I am sure you understand my misunderstanding though, it was a set up!!

My disgruntlement is normally aimed correctly, Ch5 programme makers, the daily fail, PIP decision makers, UC bastards..........................

Just cheesed off that this lady is being refused what should be easy access help!

OP posts:
Awwlookatmybabyspider · 21/12/2017 22:15

It's a national disgrace that there is a thread about food banks in the 21st century. Perhaps instead of giving billions to foreign aid. Perhaps Charity should begin at home.

Original poster
MammaTJ · 21/12/2017 22:15

£10 PIP bonus!! Wowie!! Not donating to a food bank this year but direct to one family in need, and to one child in need. About £30 worth in all.

OP posts:
gamerchick · 21/12/2017 22:17

It’s fine don’t worry.

Maybe just hug your family a little closer that you got the help you needed for as long as it was needed and others aren’t so fortunate. The way things are everyone won’t get that. The pitiful scraps of resource needs to be allocated the best it can. It really sucks.

NapQueen · 21/12/2017 22:18

A local foodbank to us will not provide more than three requests per household in a year. So they will actually decline a request if its the fourth one over 12 months. They also only deliver, you cant go to them, and only do so if you give a phone number. Which is useless as selling a mobile phone or having a landline cut off uaually happens before the cupboards run bare.

Thankfully there is another one nearby which allows you to go and choose items. And no limit. If there is stuff there you can take it. And you can have a cup of tea or coffee when you go too.

Unsurprising which gets our donation.

I choose to believe that no-one would use a foodbank if they didnt have a genuine need to fill their or their childrens tummies that week. They do a great deal of good. And its a pity that they are even needed. But they shouldnt impose a blanket block.

Original poster
MammaTJ · 21/12/2017 22:19

Awwlookatmybabyspider

Sorry to change the topic, but apparently UC has been brought in so that it encourages people to get jobs. Putting people into absolute dire straits will not make jobs magically appear.

Not off topic at all, totally in it! The pressure people are put under WILL NOT make jobs magically appear!

OP posts:
mistyweather · 21/12/2017 22:20

Was a tv prog about this this eve

JeremyCorbynsBeard · 21/12/2017 22:20

OP you should be directing your anger at this bunch of cunts we call a government. They're the ones who're not insisting on a proper living wage for people. They're the ones cutting benefits. They're the ones cocking up Universal Credit.

NO ONE should have to depend on a foodbank, and the problem is entirely down to those who are fucking up governing our country.

I feel for anyone who needs to use a foodbank, but please don't blame those running it; they're doing the best they can and trying to help everyone.

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