Foodbank buying items from shops?

[girlfriend44]

I always thought that foodbanks were given out of date stock when I saw them collecting from shops and supermarkets.
I have now found out they buy items from certain retailers at a reduced price.
They put orders in. Where does the money come from to purchase?
Also they have vans, which cost money in petrol etc.
Anyone else think the same, never realised they were collecting stuff they had ordered in. I thought it was donated to them?÷

This has to be one of the most ignorant, stupid, judgemental threads I’ve ever seen on MN. huge thanks to the people who have the emotional energy to try to educate the judgemental twits posting on here.

Most food banks do require a referral. The local one here doesn't - you can self refer 6 times in a year, and after that, you will need a referral. This was initially set up to make it easier for people who couldn't get a referral during covid.

One of the reasons foodbank referrals are helpful is that they also connect users with other services. Because, Hazy, you’ll be amazed to learn that some people live in ‘temporary’ hotel accommodation where they don’t have the means to cook. Not even a microwave. It’s not only about education on how to cook simple meals or manage money. When you’ve only got a kettle, you’re pretty screwed.

Also you take a couple of bits. Plus if you have seen something you want to try, take it as you are not wasting money that way

Food banks don't accept out of date food! They rely on donations from the public, who dontate directly to their premises or by leaving items inside the boxes near the checkouts at most supermarkets. With the current cost of living crisis, people who would often donate are now struggling themselves. Imagine if you were in a situation where you needed to use a foodbank, I'm pretty sure you wouldn't want out of date food!

Please ignore.

I've seen your subsequent posts. My apologies

I do know that some people really have a tough time and I’m all for them being provided with all the help they need. I donate to lots of charities but somehow food banks have never hit that chord with me, I think they’re too open to misuse.
It’s not that I’m callous or uncaring, I’m actually a very caring person.

You can't donate out of date food to food banks It's got to be fit to eat!

As said by several others already, food banks are charities, they get cash donations as well as food, so of course they buy supplies, run vehicles, they even pay their staff.

Is that ok, OP? Or should the paupers only get the rotting waste the naice folk don't want??

Food banks are interesting sociologically. Generally you will find them in affluent areas and the people using them will travel. This is because a food bank needs volunteers and most volunteers do not want to travel too far.
And yes, they receive donations, and they buy what they need (usually at subsidised prices). Out of date food is no good to them. Unless you think the poor and needy should be given substandard produce?

Most food banks like cash donations as they can buy fresh produce and dairy. They can also buy bulk which saves them $£€. Where I live our foodbank also receives large amounts from the local farms and orchards, not sure if this is donated or if they buy it. Foodbanks (here at least) are not allowed to give out of date foods.

A couple of years ago, we had a couple of cases of instant coffee delivered and the 100g jar had the 200g sticker on them.

Communication from hq was to put them towards food banks.

Read the whole thread.
How many times did I say nearly out of date food in my replies.
Zzzzzzzzz.

Everyone thinks they are caring. We are not really best placed to judge ourselves though

How out of touch are you (or just stupid) if you think food.banks want out of date food? Seriously you any idea how awful that sounds?

I have a monthly standing order set up to my local food bank, plus I still sometimes buy food to donate with my daughter, as a more obvious demonstration to her of the fact sometimes people struggle.

I wasn't commenting on that and I know foodbanks buy 'nearly out of date but not quite', stuff. My interest is that foodbanks are generally in the vicinity of the volunteers not those in need, which is an interesting social phenomenon.
Final point was a stab at the suggestion out of date produce was ok - can't remember where it was, sorry.

Not always. Some of the ones I know, snd the one we regularly support are in areas where there are above average numbers of children on free school meals.

I bet no one does this. Stop listening to local gossip and do some research yourself. You barely get enough for 3 meals, and there are limits on how many visits you can make. You have to be sent by a professional, HV, social services etc. Remember, nurses, teachers and other professionals have been known to use foodbanks.
Even poor people have pride.

They can’t serve out of date food?

of course they pay for vans and to purchase stuff they’re run as a charity

A researcher I know has done some research, suggesting that food banks often turn up in affluent areas - not always, naturally. Unfortunately it's not published so I can't cite - but from what I remember it also bears out your comment.

It's all the poor people deserve innit? /s

We don’t ‘buy’ nearly out of date food, all that is donated. Except for the usual slip ups it has at least 3 months to run. That allows us time for sorting annd taking into anccount it may not get eaten straight anway. Anything that has less than three months to run is put on the help yourself table.

With donations. All charities have operating costs. How did you think they paid their employees?

I work in a supermarket. They are constantly putting up posters on "how many meals they have given to charity that month " the reality is..they are giving them through that very charity, to the very people they employ. However this doesn't look good , it's better to say they give to charity rather than look after there own employees. Boils my bloody piss to be honest.

Legit question - are they still interested in mince pies?