AIBU to think that donating tinned tomatoes to the food bank shows a real lack of understanding of food poverty?

[BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz]

The food bank donation box at my local supermarket this morning had a fairly good mix of items, apart from about a third of the tins were tinned tomatoes.

Surely it would be better all round to donate products which need little to no additional ingredients?

Tinned tomatoes are a base - they will never be a meal in their own right. They need at the bare minimum, some seasoning and or some veg or protein to make them useable.

And then even if you could rustle up some other ingredients to make them palateable/nutritious, you need to heat them - if they contain meat or lentils they need a good length of time on the heat.

Those using food banks likely cannot give over 20mins on the hob for tinned tomatoes. The cost of heating up the food (if there is even funds on the meter) is too high for the return.

I do think that people who donate tinned tomatoes, come at it from a reasonably comfortable point of view - just chuck it in with some mince and a bit if garlic and slow cook it for a couple of hours.

All of which is likely to be outside of the financial scope of the recipient.

Tinned tomato with any veg I had and a bit of cheese on top with pasta is my favourite cheap quick easy meal. It takes the same amount of time as the pasta to cook. It's not gourmet but it can be tasty.

@Thecathouse

Tinned tomatoes on toast was a common lunch when I was growing up. They only need 5 minutes on the hob and a sprinkle of salt, and they get one of your five a day in

They aren't just a base. Ha e you never had tinned tomatoes on toast?

I love tinned tomatoes on toast!

I think there are better targets for your ire tbh.

There are variety of people who use food banks. Yes, some will need food that needs no or minimal cooking because they have little to no fuel or facilities.

Some will be people who need help with getting enough nutritious food on the table during a lean patch and they do have the facilities to turn say tinned tomatoes, pasta and a tin of tuna into a pasta bake.

During my training I (and my flat mate) pretty much lived off tinned tomatoes on toast, occasionally with some cheese grated on top. I have a family member who will have the same thing for his breakfast every day of the year he doesn’t have fresh ones from the garden. They take just a few minutes to heat through (taste better with a little bit of sugar put in while they warm, and then a sprinkle of salt when served). So yes, you are being unreasonable.

I melt cheese in with tinned (chopped) tomatoes then have it on toast. Delicious!

Tinned tomatoes served with sausages is a great breakfast.

It is cheaper to make stuff from scratch so if people have that skill then it is useful to have the ingredients that help. Surely there is an array of people using food banks like those who don't so some are time poor others have time, some people need convenience as they don't have kitchen equipment or the knowledge to cook.

Our local food bank uses the app Bank the Food. Very handy for getting them what they need for their clients.
apps.apple.com/gb/app/bankthefood/id1528301394

Tinned tomatoes are good with an egg and toast.

When I was skint I used tinned tomatoes to make basic tomato sauce or soup. (still do tbh)

Its not a difficult to use or luxury item.

They are the basis of pasta sauces, curries,chilli, stews and soups. All very cheap to prepare.

YABU. I have just had a quick look at what the seven food banks nearest to me are requesting at the moment, and 3 of them list tinned tomatoes.

You can find out yourself here

Also if you have a Tesco clubcard you can donate the value of the points to charity including food banks

secure.tesco.com/clubcard/donate-to-charity

People using food banks will have a variety of different circumstances. For some tinned tomatoes won't be that useful, but I think for a lot they are. And food banks often specifically ask for them. So YABU. Having said that I've taken to giving money so I can gift aid it and the food bank can fill in any gaps.

@FuzzyPuffling, but it does mean not being able to afford to use much fuel to cook the ingredients.

I've never had tinned tomatoes on toast, or a a side accompaniment though I have seen a British friend serve them with a cooked breakfast.

They are a versatile ingredient though and we use a lot of them in our meals - from soup to pasta sauces.

I donate some tinned / dried goods but also toothpaste, sanitary pads, shower gel, chocolate, cake, biscuits, crisps, tea and coffee to ours.

@Goldenbear

I have donated yeast before as I thought it might be useful if people make stuff from scratch. Can I ask what is wrong with mince pies with brandy in them?

Because some of the people using the food bank have experienced DV fuelled by alcohol, may have alcohol issues themselves etc. Most food banks have a strict "no alcohol" policy.

i really like the idea of having cards at the checkout that can be scanned.

(not in UK) our supermarkets often have food bank drives when they put the things they (the local food bank) particularly needs/wants and you pick up a bag on your way round with your shopping. I usually pay separately for hygiene products and put them in too.

As for the people asking why i was asking "who cooks tinned toms for 20 minutes" I was thinking specifically of people who are watching how long they use their stove top for, 20 minutes seems a long time for tomatoes.

@CheesyWeez

Interesting thread. I didn't know you could ask the food bank what they need, ours is just a big box with no instructions on it AFTER the tills so I regularly forget to buy something but I sometime donate long life milk or tinned beef mince. I often wonder if I should be donating shampoo or sanitary products.

This post has renewed my interest in ensuring I donate the right thing.

I agree with this. Whether the OP is right or wrong, this thread has at least made a lot of us think about what we are donating to a FB. Or, if we don’t already, it has probably made some of us think about donating. She deserves thanks for that alone.

@Aposterhasnoname

Tinned tomatoes on toast is food of the gods.

I agree . Love it .

Food banks are used by people in all sorts of circumstances. Our local Morrisons works closely with the food bank and has a list at the door of what's currently.in short supply. They have shelf cards showing priority items and make up bags of food with the price on that you can just grab at the checkout. It's really well organised.

Tinned tomatoes, potatoes and other veg are always asked for, along with tinned fruit and puddings, meat and fish.

Some people will like tomatoes on toast.
Some will like adding a pinch of salt and pepper to make a simple sauce or soup - you don’t have to use loads of herbs.
Some will have herbs or spices in the cupboard.
Some might use them to batch cook something thus using the gas less.
Some won’t be able to use them and won’t pick them up.
Ours ask for them too.

We're not short of money, but I actually love tinned tomatoes with a fried egg, and bread to dip. I use them for loads of other things too, but there's nothing like comfort food

Also, food bank drop off points in supermarkets are after you've checked out. I would say that most people are leaving items in the box as an after thought and plucking out something from their shopping that is cheap and they could easily pick up another time. Everyone buys tinned tomatoes whether they need them or not.

@HelpMeTree

I think you’re virtue signaling. Of all the people to criticise, those who donate to food banks probably shouldn’t be at the top of your list.

This

Also, lots of food banks these days really need nappies, sanitary products and things like shampoo and shower gel.