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?

I would also have a look at what people actually donate at supermarkets before criticising OP.

As far as I can see it's about 75% from "the list", 25% off list at my local Lidl. This is not a wealthy area. On the basis that lower income people donate proportionately more of their income, and we live in an area of significant deprivation by government stats, it's likely that those donating know people in need of help or have needed it themselves.

So there is lots from the standard Trussel Trust list, and always some pasta and beans and peas even when the list says no more please. They're among the cheapest items you can donate and I'm sure they'll be used eventually.

The rest includes unlisted treats like chocolate milk, sugar and instant hot drinks, foods that are popular with older people locally like beetroot, salad cream etc, a fair bit of pet food, and the odd lotion or moisturiser.

This wouldn't be an area with a large street homeless population and a lot of people who are struggling would be older. I think these donations will be appreciated. And instant lattes wouldn't stand out or shock anyone!

I think it's nice. People using food banks deserve treats too. I always buy a few things off the list and then a few nice little extras.

@painochocolate
Yes they do always looked squashed, but it’s always one of the hurst “treat” items that get picked at our foodbank.

First, not hurst!

What do you want them to have? Stale bread and gruel?

Whilst a throw away comment that’s exactly what the government want people to do isn’t it?

Why the angst? Why not try changing government policy that allows people to go hungry?

I’ll never forget this, will put those items in my next shop

Here they request tea bags, instant coffee, uht milk, sugar etc not packaged products as they are more expensive to buy. Same goes for brands, they suggest you buy own brand so money goes further

Toiletries, laundry & cleaning products, san pro and nappies are always welcome as they're not donated as often.

Most of the people using the food bank are just normal people going through a rocky patch. Unfortunately they're often only given tinned unhealthy processed stuff and no treats so Yanbu to put lattes in.

When they say teabags do you think herbal tea and green tea would be wanted? Or just regular?

My local one has jam/peanut butter and baby wipes at the top so I'll get them next

I used to volunteer with a food bank, and we also purchased fresh food for each individual request. When I was doing the shopping for a particular family, I'd always buy a "treat" food for them, whether it be pastries or biscuits etc. Foodbanks are usually donated the basics the most, so I think those that give treat food are actually really beneficial with sparking some joy to those in need.

Unfair! You don't have to read the thread. It's clearly titled.

Hot drinks that only need water adding sound ideal for a food bank. Coffee without having to feel guilty about taking milk your DC need for cereal sounds perfect.

I vary it each week. One week is the staples cereal, pasta, jars of pasta sauce and another week coffee, tea, nice biscuits, another week toiletries and so on. For coffee drinkers the instant latte would be good as not everyone has a coffee machine.

This is such a cynical view on a good deed.
Do it OP. People get some choice in what they take and someone who likes lattes would appreciate that.

Foodbank threads always remind me to donate so they are useful (and I haven't noticed OP showing off). I think one good reason to donate at supermarkets and not only in cash is that it makes this a normal action, something children can see, a prompt to somebody who might have a little spare cash short term etc.

On the other hand foodbank threads always make me hungry, so I have eaten far too much toast and peanut butter reading this one ...

Great point - when I see typical bag from foodbank including box of cereal, tea or coffee, carton of UHT milk l always think that milk isn't going to go far. Nice to include a caffeinated treat that doesn't need milk.

If people only get so many items in their box, instant latte is useless. It won't help them feed themselves or their kid for the week and there's nothing nutritious in it.

If it will be given as an extra on top of the essentials then crack on.

I know when I've been ultra skint (never had a food bank parcel though, they don't do them where they live) receiving a box of say 10 items, having to feed myself on those 10 items only, getting something as useless as latte as one of those 10 would have been devastating.

I run a food bank that operates as a "store" - some of our service users come to us and (from what we have available) choose for themselves. If you want bang for your £ buck biscuits - even M&S has 30p biscuits -, plain crackers, English tea, coffee, sugar and UHT milk are probably what to go for. Baked beans and chopped toms are popular. So is cereal, tinned fish and sanitary towels. Ketchup, mayo.

I don't think there's any such thing as a bad choice of donation, unless it's out of date or crushed. People make requests for all sorts of things, and we really do our best to meet them. And we offer a treat every week.

Latte sachets are powdered milk... with some powdered coffee in it for the adults to drink.

I think it's a kind thought OP.

They'd normally be an extra. But playing devil's advocate - if your choices are 40 tea bags (no calories), small jar of instant coffee (no calories), why wouldn't you prefer sachet of instant lattes (about 500 calories, and yes, more nutrients)? And tea / coffee is a staple.

Hi OP, I sometimes volunteer in a foodbank.
Instant latte is perfect. We go by things that can be made with a kettle or microwave, as not everyone has the means / knowledge / mental wellbeing to be cooking food in the oven (not all but some people).
Instant treats like chocolate and crisps also welcome. Everyone likes a treat and there's nothing wrong with donating these things to a foodbank.

I work with people who need to use food banks and whilst I am sure it is nice to get a treat the focus is very much on getting a few meals to the table with whatever is in the parcel. If the food banks add extras then that’s fine but that’s a luxury for them with limited resources.
What I think would be nicer treat is more premium brands of the basics, e.g. nice quality pasta sauce rather than value brand.
whilst sitting down with a latte is nice if your kids are hungry you would not appreciate it.