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Original poster

Should I donate my £400 to the foodbank

98 replies

Heathofhares · 30/05/2022 16:07

I’m surprised to discover that we will be getting the fuel allowance. It seems madness when we can afford our bills without help. What are other people in this situation doing ? I am thinking I should maybe donate it to the foodbank or similar. WWYD

OP posts:
LifeInAHamsterWheel · 30/05/2022 16:08

That would be a lovely gesture if you can afford it.

TuTuLemon · 30/05/2022 16:09

If we can easily get it out of our energy account then yes we will, not sure which charity yet but had thought possibly our local food bank.

Johnnysgirl · 30/05/2022 16:10

If you don't need it, then yes. It's hardly a dilemma.

gamerchick · 30/05/2022 16:10

It's going straight on your bill, you're not actually getting 400 quid. If you can afford to take it out your general spends like then that's very kind.

ATadConfused · 30/05/2022 16:10

That would be very kind if you can afford it.

or a small local charity, or an individual (or two) that you know are struggling.

Haus1234 · 30/05/2022 16:11

We donated the £150 council tax rebate to the local food bank as it just seemed like such a ridiculous use of public money to give it to us vs someone who really needs it. Not decided on the £400 yet as it’s not coming into the bank account in one go so a bit more difficult to juggle.

FrankLampardsBrokenHand · 30/05/2022 16:12

It's a credit on your bill isn't it? We were going to give ours to family members we know are struggling (2 properties so we'll get it for each).

user1471457751 · 30/05/2022 16:13

The OP wouldn't need to get it out of her energy company account, she can reduce her payments to the energy Co to the amount of £400 and gave that to the foodbank. It's really not that difficult

IstayedForTheFeminism · 30/05/2022 16:15

If you can afford to then yes please (as someone who's had to use food banks.)
I know some of them are really struggling.

TuTuLemon · 30/05/2022 16:19

user1471457751 · 30/05/2022 16:13

The OP wouldn't need to get it out of her energy company account, she can reduce her payments to the energy Co to the amount of £400 and gave that to the foodbank. It's really not that difficult

Yes I should have worded my reply better, this is what I am going to try to do. At the minute I can't reduce our DD below £89 but hopefully that will change once we get to October!

JesusInTheCabbageVan · 30/05/2022 16:20

Well nobody's going to come on and say 'No, they don't need it', are they?

JingsMahBucket · 30/05/2022 16:22

I wouldn't for now. I'd bank it for myself in case I needed it later.

LivingOnAnIsland · 30/05/2022 16:23

Why are you asking random strangers? It's entirely up to you.

eurochick · 30/05/2022 16:24

We had the same thought, OP. If we can afford it when the time comes we will.

TheRoadToRuin · 30/05/2022 16:31

DH gets the winter fuel payment which we don't need. We were planning to donate it this year but not sure where yet. Probably a local charity or food bank.

Hoppinggreen · 30/05/2022 16:32

LivingOnAnIsland · 30/05/2022 16:23

Why are you asking random strangers? It's entirely up to you.

Yes but no virtue signalling in just quietly helping anyone is there?

Wor · 30/05/2022 16:33

No. The way it works is this. The government collects tax from
high earners and uses that to provide services and payments to those who need it. You’ve already contributed.

People are struggling because of mismanagement by this joke of a government. You shouldn’t feel you have to contribute more of your money just because Boris Johnson would rather spend money on things like a professional photographer to follow him around / flying asylum seekers to Rwanda / weapons to give away to Ukraine etc.

Food prices have shot up because of Brexit, another thing for which we can blame Boris.

Seraphinesupport · 30/05/2022 16:47

As someone who has once used a foodbank thats a lovely idea.

Manekinek0 · 30/05/2022 16:49

If you don't have much in savings or an emergency fund I would advise you to keep it and save it. Things could get far worse from here. Food, fuel, increasing interest rates.

JingsMahBucket · 30/05/2022 16:51

Manekinek0 · 30/05/2022 16:49

If you don't have much in savings or an emergency fund I would advise you to keep it and save it. Things could get far worse from here. Food, fuel, increasing interest rates.

Exactly. Pad your savings. If you really want to donate, maybe £50 or something.

Lacedwithgrace · 30/05/2022 17:01

Unless you have decent savings just in case, it's a great idea. If you have no back-up in case you can't afford it later in the year, keep it.

balalake · 30/05/2022 17:08

A food bank or another local charity, seems reasonable.

Folklore9074 · 30/05/2022 17:08

Yes. Do that. Lovely idea.

BarbaraofSeville · 30/05/2022 17:12

Another place to donate is National Energy Action which helps people in fuel poverty, but for those who feel they can afford to donate, either is fine, it all helps the people who need it.

2bazookas · 30/05/2022 17:15

Why not look around you and give the money to someone struggling with their bills? Old lady on fixed pension; single mum with a bunch of weans. Put it in an envelope with an anonymous message and post it through their door; no embarrassment for them or you.

"I don't need this fuel payment so I'm sharing it with you. It's a gift. If you don't need it, and know someone who does, share with them"