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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

...to request a food bank voucher.

179 replies

Ashamed2BFeeling · 06/09/2019 04:42

My DW and I are struggling a little this month. We're both contracted to part time hours and take as much overtime as is available.

However, due to an accident at work, I had a couple of weeks off and our pay packet two weeks ago was really underwhelming. Having paid our rent and a massive (late) council tax bill, we didn't have enough money left to do our monthly food shop.

We already owe family money, so borrowing from them isn't an option. We don't have a great credit rating so that's out the window. And we've sold off any old electronics, CDs and DVDs that could bring in a few extra quid.

We've visited a food bank before, but this was a good five or six years ago, when we were both out of work and waiting on Universal Credit. It seems a little hypocritical to be visiting a food bank when we are already in work.

Has anyone ever been in this situation, in work but still too skint to afford food? Any advice gratefully received.

Thanks. :)

OP posts:
MessyMummy15 · 06/09/2019 04:45

I would. That's what they are there for. If you need genuine help don't be afraid to ask for it.
I believe you have to get a referral from your GP who give you a voucher so it's pretty discreet as well if I'm right.

Alicewond · 06/09/2019 04:46

The whole point of food banks is to help people who need them. If you believe you were in dire need then nothing to feel guilty about

StroppyWoman · 06/09/2019 04:50

When I volunteered for our local food bank we had many clients in work who needed to use us.
Your council’s One Stop centres or the CAB are good places to go to. They’ll be able to assess whether you qualify for a voucher. They may have some other suggestions as well.

LucieFurr · 06/09/2019 04:53

Loads of people who work need to use food banks. If you’re genuinely struggling, then please ask for help from the food bank.

You can get a referral from the GP, but also from CAB which means that you won’t have to use a GP appointment.

I hope things soon get better for you.

Shoeshelpplease · 06/09/2019 04:58

Absolutely! I work at one, that's why we exist ... to help people on a crisis and you are in a crisis.

marblesgoing · 06/09/2019 05:17

Over 20 years ago as a young single parent and working there were dark days of me eating the bare minimum to make it last.

It was the hardest time of my life and something I will never ever forget.

I find it absolutely shocking and it upsets me a lot that now in 2019 there are working people that can't afford to put food in the cupboards.

Op food banks are there to support everyone who needs them. Don't feel ashamed or embarrassed.

I really hope your situation gets better for you soon

8by8 · 06/09/2019 05:48

We give regular food bank donations and would have no problem with somebody in your position getting help.

Aannnaa · 06/09/2019 05:51

this is what food bank vouchers are for. please don't feel bad about requesting one - this is what we donate for - and later, when you are in a better situation financially, just drop a couple of extra items in the collection trolleys when you shop. I hope things improve for you soon, but never feel bad about asking for help

Dipi · 06/09/2019 05:56

Any reason why you both only work PT?
You've said you're struggling 'a little'.
The Food Bank is there for people who struggle 'a lot', not to compensate people who've irresponsibly paid bills late.

rwalker · 06/09/2019 06:11

Why do some people feel the need to kick people when they are down some unwarranted replies on here .
Please go to the food bank thats what they are there for
sounds like you are doing all you can
And what people need to realise on here before putting nasty shit replies many people who work and earn just that little bit to much to get any benefits are struggling

TheRedFox · 06/09/2019 06:17

@dipi The OP says that they both take as much overtime as they can do I don't think you should criticise them for working PT. And why do you assume they have "irresponsibly" paid bills late? If they're struggling to put food on the table then they may be struggling to pay bills too.

What a cruel and considerate post directed at someone who is clearly struggling at the moment. I hope you never find yourself in a similar situation.

OP - please don't feel bad about using a food bank - it is there for people who need it and as someone who donates to the food bank I would be very happy that someone in your situation was using it.

I hope your situation improves.

SinkGirl · 06/09/2019 06:20

There are over a million people in this country who are part of a working family and living below the poverty line. Therefore a large proportion of food bank users have a job.

If you don’t have enough food, use a food bank. It’s why they are there, and it’s why I donate to them.

I’m so sorry you’ve been injured at work, as that you’re struggling. I’m sorry our country is a place where you can work as many hours as possible but have a zero hours contract and no sick pay, etc. It’s awful. Please use the food bank.

SinkGirl · 06/09/2019 06:22

Any reason why you both only work PT?

They’re not. They have part time contracts and work far more than their contracted hours, like many people in this country. This enables employers to avoid things like sick pay, the thing most people would rely on if they injured themselves at work.

Many people can only get a zero hours contract - obviously they don’t work zero hours.

Dipi · 06/09/2019 06:32

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

SaskiaRembrandt · 06/09/2019 06:41

I have little sympathy when I'm disabled and, literally, cannot work,

I work and have benefits.

So which is it? Either you can't work or you can?

Oh, and you have twins - it's amazing how many GF also do.

OP, ignore this dubious individual, I donate to my local foodbank, I'd be perfectly happy for someone in your situation to get help.

Original poster
Ashamed2BFeeling · 06/09/2019 06:41

I have little sympathy when I'm disabled and, literally, cannot work, when people who are perfectly capable of working take from the Food Bank.
And I do. In fact, I take two trains to get to my job. I didn't get home until midnight last night/this morning and I'm due to leave to start my next shift in less than an hour. But seriously, thanks for your comments.

OP posts:
BlindedByTheShite · 06/09/2019 06:41

Many food banks have loads of stock and giving this man a box isn't going to impact on anyone except for maybe a couple of limited items that people don't think to buy.

I'd much rather the OP went and got a box of food than go £XX quid more into debt this week whch he will do if he is shamed into not going.

Bloody shame on you lot. Call up your local CAB. They are a lovely understanding lot who will sort you out.

SushiGo · 06/09/2019 06:46

Go and ask - also ask if there is a community fridge in your area?

Community fridges are open to anyone, no qualifying criteria.

Walkacrossthesand · 06/09/2019 06:49

dipi, there's no such thing as 'classed as 100% disabled'.

Butchyrestingface · 06/09/2019 06:51

Bloody shame on you lot.

Who are you saying that to? Confused Only @Dipi has been seriously unpleasant on the thread. Everyone else was supportive. And where did OP say they were a man?

Do you have a church run food bank near you, OP? My local one doesn’t ask for GP referrals.

AnotherEmma · 06/09/2019 06:54

YANBU

Did you get sick pay while you were too unwell to work?
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/work/rights-at-work/sick-pay/getting-money-when-youre-off-work-sick/

You mentioned that you got UC before, have you checked whether or not you are still entitled (during months that you and your wife get less overtime for example)?

Also, it's possible to ask the council to let you pay your council tax over 12 months (instead of the standard 10 months) which makes budgeting a bit easier.

Atlasta · 06/09/2019 06:54

Monthly food shop?

Myriade · 06/09/2019 06:56

@Ashamed2BFeeling, go for it.
Many many people who working also need to use food banks. Some of them are also in jobs considered as ‘good’ but the reality is that many jobs just vaguely keep people’s head above the water.

You’ve gone through a hard patch because you were ill ans unable to work. It happens. Use the help available. That’s what it’s here for.

Wereeaglesdare · 06/09/2019 06:58

@Dipi

Your a disgrace love, just because your going through your own struggles doesn't mean the hard working OP isn't going through his. If anything you should be on a united side against a government who has brought us back to a victorian era where working people are starving and their children. Please ignore Dipi this person is obviously very bitter and angry currently and needs to learn to direct their anger properly.

OP I have been to a food bank. I felt shame walking through the doors, I was training to be a midwife and also got sick and no body would help me. I felt like an imposter especially seeing a mum with a pram and two kids. But the people at the food bank were the nicest people I've ever met. They sit you down make you a brew and ask you what you like/need. There is no shame in it. They are like angels.

This is not your fault, this is the consequences of a broken system, I pray JC gets in and fixes the mess we are in. Please don't feel shame you have tried your best this month. Go to the Cab also and see what benefits you are entitled too. Please don't suffer because your made to think this is your fault.

feelingverylazytoday · 06/09/2019 06:59

My local food bank doesn't ask for referrals either. I don't think they do vouchers though, you have to take whatever you're given.
OP, if you genuinely think you will go hungry then phone your local foodbanks and ask if you qualify for help.