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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To wonder who would put champagne in the foodbank box?

72 replies

Drinaballerina · 16/02/2018 15:01

Shopping today, as I dropped off my items I saw 3 bottles of Moet in a bag (so clearly all donated together). Aside from the vvu fact it was Moet who would do this? Surely the money would be better spent on something a bit more useful.

Note this isn't about people in the foodbank having luxuries, it just seems slightly bonkers to me??

OP posts:
SirHumphreyMacdonald · 16/02/2018 16:23

I have volunteered at a foodbank. They would not be giving out alcohol. Treats like cakes/chocolates etc they do give out. Given the situation of some of these people (literally have nothing to feed their children) giving champagne is a bit insensitive (whilst appreciating the foodbank can raffle....)

bluepears · 16/02/2018 16:26

people that dont understand that food-banks dont give out alcohol because they dont want to enable alcoholics.

Foolish1 · 16/02/2018 16:27

A babyboomer early retired from a public sector job? Spend it well!

;)

FranticallyPeaceful · 16/02/2018 16:28

The one near us does Hmm they use it for occasions. At least they take it from me every time

RainbowGlitterFairy · 16/02/2018 16:31

I volunteer at a food bank, we get quite a lot of alcohol donated, especially at Christmas time, we're often offered stalls at local events so we put it to one side for a raffle, we don't give it to service users because a) a couple of decent bottles can raise a fortune which buys more food/necessities b) we don't know who has alcohol issues, or who has overcome them and doesn't need the temptation c) we don't want to offend by giving it to someone who is teetotal or whose religion doesn't allow alcohol.

Little luxuries are great, but non-alcoholic ones. There's just too much that can go wrong, I mean can you imagine a recovering alcoholic, already down on their luck and feeling a bit shit and then the food bank gives them a bottle of booze?

blackchina · 16/02/2018 16:43

I put two bottles of Prosecco in a food bank - I am teetotal and don't have alcohol in the house - these were gifts

Yeah I'd put prosecco in the food bank too. It's vile. Over-rated and vile, yuk!

Someone has done the same. Had it as a gift and not wanted it.

MsHarry · 16/02/2018 16:43

Look if anyone has any champers or process that they don't know what to do with, PASS IT HERE!!!!

MsHarry · 16/02/2018 16:44

prosecco even!

MsHarry · 16/02/2018 16:45

Don't know why you just wouldn't re gift it though or give it to someone who does enjoy it. Food banks can't take alcohol and could do with more useful foods/drinks.

MrsJayy · 16/02/2018 16:49

Food bank will not give out champagne why would a food bank give champagne out jesus wept Hmm I cant believe some eejit thought it was a nice thing to donate or dump their cast offs

Argeles · 16/02/2018 17:00

Maybe the people who gave it away cannot drink alcohol, and had been given it as a present. I’m sure that their intentions were good.

The staff could certainly enjoy it, or perhaps they could raffle it somewhere and buy essential items for the food bank with the money gained.

UpstartCrow · 16/02/2018 17:01

Its not legal to raffle alcohol without a licence.

OutyMcOutface · 16/02/2018 17:02

Most likely an unwanted gift/left overs.

Bluelady · 16/02/2018 17:09

It's someone who's thought it would be nice and hasn't thought it through. I always try to put sanpro, toiletries, etc in as well as food. I put a dozen selection boxes in before Christmas bought with the money I would have spent on cards.

DSHathawayGivesMeFannyGallops · 16/02/2018 17:17

I think someone was trying to be nice? I second Mrs Harry though. If I didn't want, I'd regift. Save my own money.

bluepears · 16/02/2018 17:21

Its not legal to raffle alcohol without a licence.

thats not true www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2003/17/section/175

Aridane · 16/02/2018 17:21

Upstart - my understanding is that bottles of alcohol can be given in raffle prizes and are exempt from licensing requirement provided certain criteria are satisfied under the Licensing Act 2003

Aridane · 16/02/2018 17:21

Cross post with bluepears !!!!!!

RaspberryRipple63 · 16/02/2018 17:31

I was under the impression that food banks didn't accept alcohol?

BarbarianMum · 16/02/2018 17:59
BarbRoyle · 16/02/2018 22:11

Well, maybe because I've had a couple of wines, but I like the person who donated the Moet. The food bank may not be able to give it out but it sounds as tho it'll raise some money/do some good so 'chin chin' Wine

emmyrose2000 · 16/02/2018 23:44

Tbh, if I was struggling to feed my family and was given Champagne by the food bank; I'd ask them to swap it for actual food of equivalent value

Ditto.

I detest the taste of alcohol so don't drink it. If I was unable to return it to the food bank or get rid of it another way, it'd end up being poured down the sink, whilst I'd be wondering why we couldn't have had some soft drink/juice/cordial instead; ie. something useful and actually consumable.

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