Am I the only person who thinks parents should feed their kids outside of school?

[HalloweenDoughnutAnyone]

Obviously it goes without saying I don't want any child to go hungry. But. Am I the only person who thinks parents should feed their kids outside of school?

Just that really.. it's free school dinners. Not free lunch all year round.

I don't understand why people think the tax payer should be paying even more? Maybe, if you can't afford to cover the basics (food and clothing) you should think twice before having a child?

Or should we extend free school dinners, to cover all the food a child needs inside and outside of school ?

I'm not tarring everyone with the same brush but I know people who rely on free school dinners. But have sky tv, expensive mobile contracts etc

@MargotMoon

“Again, not the fault of the children, so kind of irrelevant. And lots of people still feel a deep sense of shame about accepting 'handouts' (hate that phrase)”

Not really irrelevant though is it if the kids aren’t getting the food....it’s the whole point of doing it!!!

They need to find some way of identifying parents like this, as these are the kids that probably need the most help.

The good parents who are genuinely struggling financially would always put feeding their kids as top priority, and would find a way to collect the food.

The parents who didn’t collect the food either didn’t need it, or couldn’t be arsed collecting it. Either way, it doesn’t sound like their kids are very high on the priority list and that would ring alarm bells.

I do worry though about providing cash or vouchers, that these kids still wouldn’t see the benefit, so do feel there should be another way. Like a community base to go and actually have a meal, along the lines of a soup kitchen.

However you look at it, it’s inexcusable to let children go hungry just because you think their parents are benefit-stealing chavs.

@HalloweenDoughnutAnyone

Stop assuming that the twats you know on Facebook are representative of all people.

Stop reading the S*n and try reading some articles about child poverty from reputable sources - Child Poverty Action Group, Joseph Rowntree Foundation and the Fareshare websites are all good places to start.

And stop thinking that because some people don't accept the help that they are being offered it should be withdrawn entirely from everyone else.

Fucking think!

Maybe, if you can't afford to cover the basics (food and clothing) you should think twice before having a child?

Maybe, if you're an ignorant bigot who thinks that's a reasonable statement, you should think twice about having a child?

Then maybe, we wouldn't have a Government full of such bastards.

Even Nigel bloody Farage supports free school meals in the holidays right now... this government has become more right wing then Farage.

Most people who mentioned Asda vouchers were explaining how selling them could be more beneficial to the family larder than using them @Powerchewings. Just like that poster you're talking about (without linking to).

[quote Watermelon999]@MargotMoon

“Again, not the fault of the children, so kind of irrelevant. And lots of people still feel a deep sense of shame about accepting 'handouts' (hate that phrase)”

Not really irrelevant though is it if the kids aren’t getting the food....it’s the whole point of doing it!!!

They need to find some way of identifying parents like this, as these are the kids that probably need the most help.

The good parents who are genuinely struggling financially would always put feeding their kids as top priority, and would find a way to collect the food.

The parents who didn’t collect the food either didn’t need it, or couldn’t be arsed collecting it. Either way, it doesn’t sound like their kids are very high on the priority list and that would ring alarm bells.

I do worry though about providing cash or vouchers, that these kids still wouldn’t see the benefit, so do feel there should be another way. Like a community base to go and actually have a meal, along the lines of a soup kitchen.[/quote]

Err, soup kitchens do exist. Plenty of families use them. You haven't got a clue.

@Powerchewings

This was from an actual post from here yesterday. So for anyone pooh poohing *@HalloweenDoughnutAnyone* saying that people do sell these vouchers on Facebook, someone has even admitted to it on here. I’m not naming the poster but an advance search on “Asda Voucher” from yesterday’s date will throw it up.

“
I've just today been sent a £15 voucher for Asda to cover DS1s FSMs for half term week. I didnt realise this was being continued so it was a nice surprise. BUT I don't usually shop with Asda, my nearest one is 2 bus rides away. I could use it online, but then I'll have to pay the delivery charge. I actually have a Morrisons delivery pass that I paid for in richer times. Luckily I have family who can use it so I've 'sold' it to them. Probably against the rules but I can't use it otherwise!”

What's your point?

The poster has sold an unusable voucher for cash she can use.

Unless your point is that sending vouchers for specific supermarkets is stupid because not everyone can use them. Then I'd agree .

Could it be that some parents not collecting food packages don't bother because it's a bus ride to get to the place? Buses are expensive and definitely not free for kids in most of the country.

@HalloweenDoughnutAnyone

I fully understand people's circumstances can change. I don't have sky. My phone contract is £18 a month. I wasn't furloughed. I was on £0 maternity during this period. We only go on £9.50 sun holidays.

I don't like an extravagant life. I don't have a lot of expendable income. I just believe people should pay to feed their children outside of school.

Ah! You read The Sun! Explains a lot.

@PickAChew

Could it be that some parents not collecting food packages don't bother because it's a bus ride to get to the place? Buses are expensive and definitely not free for kids in most of the country.

@PickAChew

Schools round here we’re delivering the lunches to those not nearby.

@PickAChew

Could it be that some parents not collecting food packages don't bother because it's a bus ride to get to the place? Buses are expensive and definitely not free for kids in most of the country.

Now now, don't talk sense...

Several schools round here were delivering. One (with a Head who thinks anyone skint just isn't trying hard enough) wasn't. It's no co-incidence it was the school with the lowest take up. Kids normally get the bus to school, no school buses meant for some it was two buses to get there. The Head's suggestion was a £16 weekly bus ticket...

@MargotMoon

Why are you being so defensive?

So you and I are pretty much in agreement, but yet despite not knowing anything about me, you are being insulting.

Is no one allowed an opinion?

@DeliciouslyFemale I wasn't referring to people who lose their jobs etc. It's unfortunate that happens and they should be supported

I'm referring to people who have children and expect the government to support them! I know a few people like this who earn more than me on benefits.

Sorry, I thought I'd added that

*What's your point?

The poster has sold an unusable voucher for cash she can use.*

It’s fraud and should people doing this be caught, there should be some harsh penalties.

@PatriciaPerch

If vouchers weren't a good idea, why haven't they come up with an alternative? a food parcel with basics in and bottle of disinfectant, and some cloths and a bar of soap if you all resent people having any kind of luxury

Where my SIL lives the vouchers could be used anywhere with a Paypoint machine. That meant she could use her local corner shop rather than a bus ride to the supermarket. Much more sensible idea

@Powerchewings

*What's your point?

The poster has sold an unusable voucher for cash she can use.*

It’s fraud and should people doing this be caught, there should be some harsh penalties.

Have a heart. Not a bleeding heart, just a normal one.

@Powerchewings

This was from an actual post from here yesterday. So for anyone pooh poohing @HalloweenDoughnutAnyone* saying that people do sell these vouchers on Facebook, someone has even admitted to it on here. I’m not naming the poster but an advance search on “Asda Voucher” from yesterday’s date will throw it up.

“
I've just today been sent a £15 voucher for Asda to cover DS1s FSMs for half term week. I didnt realise this was being continued so it was a nice surprise. BUT I don't usually shop with Asda, my nearest one is 2 bus rides away. I could use it online, but then I'll have to pay the delivery charge. I actually have a Morrisons delivery pass that I paid for in richer times. Luckily I have family who can use it so I've 'sold' it to them. Probably against the rules but I can't use it otherwise!”*

For totally legit reasons! She'll still spend the money on food, just at a store she already uses instead of making a special trip.

Strikes me as daft to send a voucher that only covers certain stores anyway.

As I understand it Conservatives (the right) stance is broadly to limit state support, lower taxes for the successful, boost the economy, minimise benefits then every man for himself/ feed your own children.

Labour veer towards higher taxes and then distribute wealth evenly among the needy.

Depends which side of the political spectrum you are on as to whether you agree with op or not.

Seeing who tends to win elections it seems the majority of voters take the former view ...

@Powerchewings

*What's your point?

The poster has sold an unusable voucher for cash she can use.*

It’s fraud and should people doing this be caught, there should be some harsh penalties.

What would be the point in that?

The poster, and other people who did it, did what they had to do to make sure they could use the money for their children because the system was poorly thought out.

Harsh penalties? Like letting their kids go hungry you mean?

It’s fraud and should people doing this be caught, there should be some harsh penalties

Ah yes. Harsh penalties for someone who has already been identified as needing financial support. Foolproof system, what could possibly go wrong?

It's also hilarious that people who bang on about the affordability of providing school lunches for the poorest kids during the holidays (13 weeks a year) would like to see money spend penalising said people (trying someone for fraud is fucking expensive) for swapping the voucher with a relative for cash.

What a world to live in.

Goady twattery, OP, and you fucking well know it is.

@Coronacockup

Am I the only person who thinks Tory mps should feed themselves instead of putting food under expenses and letting the taxpayer cover it.

No. But while so many people like the OP are too busy punching down, the Mps will continue to keep their noses in the trough, and cream off the fat of the land.