Food bank

[Redredrobingoesbobobbobin]

I know of someone who routinely uses our school food bank which I’m sure was needed at some point during Covid. No judgment there, it was tough for everyone.

This person is still using it, and also posting on SM about nights out, brunches/dinners out, trips away etc. and how their circumstances have changed for the better. This is great to hear.

The school food bank is funded mainly by parents who donate, and some local businesses, and some fundraisers run by the PTA. It’s a wide demographic of people accessing it, many of whom would genuinely struggle without access to it.

AIBU to wonder how resources are allocated? Once someone can access it do they need to continuously or routinely provide evidence that they need the support?

It feels like this person is taking away from those who genuinely need the resources and is commuting some kind of fraud, and those who mean well are being worked super hard (it takes them a lot of time and effort to sort it all out) when it’s not a genuine need.

I know this sounds judgy, it’s driving me a bit nuts.

Lots of foodbanks either don't limit access or have provisions that ensure people don't leave empty handed even if they have no referral. My friend is a huge volunteer at one and said it gets difficult seeing the same people who are there over and over, circumstances not changing all. Her food bank also provides advice etc to try and help people access other support but she said many people don't take it up.

I think in theory the concept is its better to accept the minority of abuse that occurs than limit access. However, i worry when it means finite resources don't get to the people who need it most.

I know, it is very frustrating to see people taking food when it look like they don't need it, especially when there are so many people who do need it. On the bright side, you said yourself that a large demographic use this school bank, and if it is only one person who is taking the p, then I would say it is providing a necessary (unbelievably in 21st Century Britain!) service and doing a lot of good for a lot of people. It is very difficult for a lot of people to go and ask for food, so making the process as easy and unintrusive as possible is a good thing, there will always be one, but it is helping a lot more people - she may be out partying, but at least you know her children have some food.

Thanks @MilkyYay I think this is my quandary. The resources are finite, and the school staff who run it are going over and above, when they’re already so overworked and under appreciated.

www.datakind.org/projects/identifying-food-bank-dependency-early

The fact that these sorts of projects are carried out shows that at least food banks are aware of dependency issues and seeking to target support to limit it

Thanks @dubhdearg that’s a helpful way to think about it. I don’t like thinking this way and it irritating me! Better for all who need it to have access!

I wouldn’t get involved OP. I worked with a family once who were absolutely desperate but they lied- told people they were doing well, lied on social media , lied about jobs and pay, basically anything to save face it was heartbreaking. They didn’t want people to know how much they were struggling . It could be the case here too so I would honestly just distance yourself as they very possibly do need the food bank help

The larger ones used to be quite strict needing referals from a doctor or social worker and you only got a couple of weeks entitlement. It was supposed to help you over a sudden unexpected expense or drop in income or whilst waiting for benefits to be sorted.

Now I fear it has to be a way of life for some. Living is just too expensive especially if your circumstances have changed for the worse.

They probably have so many referals there's no way they can look into them properly.

I think better for a few shameful people to get access than for some in need to be turned away.

Thanks @applecinnamonlatte that’s also helpful to consider. I know SM
doesn’t always reflect real life and they may be ashamed. It’s all pretty convincing and made me really cross!

You’re so right @Melon9 it is better for a few to slip through than for others to go without. X

I can understand why you’d feel that way I just thought it may be helpful to know that people do sometimes feel ashamed so try to cover up being so vulnerable it’s just a possibility worth considering x

I'm a referrer to food banks, and most of them (like the Trussel Trust) only give a finite amount of help. If I send someone more than once, I get an email asking me why, and I have to work hard to give them an explanation that they'll accept. And then it's still limited. Most are there to tide people over a specificshort period of need.

Your school is clearly doing this in a more ad hoc kind of way, and (understandably) less professionally. And as the people collecting are part of the school community, it's going to be a LOT harder to turn around and say 'do you really need this'?

If I send someone more than once, I get an email asking me why,

Sorry, that should read 'more than four times...'

This. Some people do all sorts of things to save face and make it look as though they are coping. People occasionally try to get something they are not entitled to, but it’s much less common than the former scenario.

If the photos of holidays etc are real then you can express the courage of your convictions in the comments and post in response 'time to stop using the school food bank then'.

Thanks all for your responses. Much more helpful perspectives to have, as well as the option to “grow a pair”.

Babe totally understand what you say believe it or not have always been the person buy 2 extra bags of shopping for food banks making sure others didn't go without.
Unfortunately due to illness and wife on lòw income I I have had to use a foodbank a few time have always felt bad about it as my pride makes me feel I don't deserve it but only take what I really need the other bits I ask them to keep for someone else I couldn't be as the other person and never will be but hey know you are one of the people that care about others obviously she doesn't calmer to an amazing thing let it jump up and bite her when least expected thank you for being caring and others that do the same as you when I'm back on my feet asap will be putting more back in than I have taken and thank you for making sure others are helped Merry Christmas and a wonderful New year to your family and all who help God bless you 🙏