aibu to buy instant latte for the foodbank

[painochocolate]

My DH says they'd prefer pasta and tinned goods but I like to buy three of whatever treat I'm getting for myself and put two in the foodbank. So this week it was instant latte. He thinks that's nuts. Aibu?

This is a good point you made.

To be honest I think cash donations are best and donate to 2 charities as such, but still give to foodbank as well.

I would be happy to donate alcohol to foodbank but not accepted; due to prejudice of alcoholism- but am certain a bottle of wine would be small beer (:D) to an alcoholic.

Dog and cat food are usually top of my donations - can’t imagine not being able to feed your pets.

I tend to buy the treat stuff on the list when I look at our food bank’s list of what they need. They sometimes ask for those microwave puddings and tins of custard so I buy those or chocolate or biscuits.

I wonder why they want small tea bags

I often bung in walking up liquid and kitchen sponges

Are they? Maybe I'll switch for more basic instant coffee and those 3 in one sachets then.

Ok makes sense. Thank you

Small tea bags/coffee would be as its easier to give 3 people a box of 80 for example than divvy up a box of 240 (if they even can?)

If I give them money do they then have to go to the shops to buy it or can they get it from like Costco.

Ah I see. But one person would be set for tea for 3 months plus.

It might not be needed but I’m sure it’s wanted and appreciated. Life’s pretty miserable with just the necessities.

I have volunteered in a foodbank, each customer is given enough food per family member to last 3 days and any extra special treats donated to the foodbank will be added on top so could be lovely for the recipient.

I see what you mean. Do you think it's worth me asking the foodbank? Or is that more hassle for them. Maybe I'll just set up a direct debit and br a bit more selective with whatever I buy. I guess I just assumed they'd have enough pasta and deals with supermarkets for a lot of the basics

It would be nice to receive some instant latte sachets but I might pick the cheapest instant coffee and long life milk so they could have more drinks.

That was my thinking.

I'm confused as to what it's best to do now!

I agree, as a coffee lover and somebody who hasn’t always had access to facilities, I would have loved them.

Yes but then they’ve only helped one person who’s desperate for help at the minute, not 3 or 4. Without meaning to cause offence, as it’s great you’re trying to help, but I’m not sure you are thinking about the logistics of what’s needed at a food bank, eg. You’re buying a treat each week, so want to donate your “treat” equivalent. That’s not really helping in the grand scene if things. If you want to support your local food bank, then perhaps contact asking for a donations list, or set up a monetary donation each month to allow them to purchase what they’re short of.

But they're a hot meal to someone with only a kettle and no headspace to think about things.

Canned veg, instant gravy and corned beef might be more filling and nutritious, but you need a microwave, slow cooker or a hob to turn it into corned beef hash.

I'd go by what the foodbank say they want. After all they're the ones with experience dealing with people in need and they'll be the ones who have to manage the donations.

I think it’s ok. At our local food bank there is a “treat shelf” and people can choose up to 3 items. Things like instant lattes, fancy biscuits, more unusual condiments, random jars of fancy chutney and posh sauces ( I always suspect these come from hampers where the recipient only likes about half the stuff).

It’s possibly not the most practical but food isn’t necessarily always practical. I quite like porridge for breakfast. You can soak oats in a splash of water overnight. Then top up with hot water in the morning stir and leave for a bit and add a pinch of salt. Cheap, full of soluble fibre and slow release carbs with nothing but a kettle. Dc would look at me like I’m attempting to poison them. So I put in a box of kids cereal and a carton of full fat UHT milk into the food bank collection with some other bits.

It’s a there I go but for the Grace of god scenario. I’ve never used a food bank but if I needed to I’d hope there would be familiar food I could feed the dc/ treats.

I bet most places are overrun with tinned and dry foods because that's what people mostly associate with food banks and donations.

It's nice to get the occasional treat or more luxury items at a food bank. People using them have fallen on hard times and it might brighten their day up to get a nice coffee or some chocolate.

Not offended at all. I'm glad I asked. Thank you so much for being honest.

Buy what they need OP

Fair enough donate essentials, but what's his problem with donating treat items? Does he have an issue with food bank users getting more than just the essentials?

Tomato sauce? That seems a good thing to put in but it's not essential.

Oh I'm overthinking it all now.

No he thinks they'd rather I spent the same money on the basics. I guess like others here are arguing. What good is a latte if you don't have enough to give everyone a meal