DH is using community pantry for free food

[cookingaroast]

There is a community pantry in our village, with the purpose being to cut food waste. I completely support cutting down on food waste, and the food provided is all from supermarkets who would otherwise throw the food out. My issue is more I'm a bit uncomfortable with us taking the food.
We are both in the tech industry and both fall into the higher tax bracket for our salaries, more than capable of paying for food ourselves.

I've said to DH I don't think we should be utilising this resource and leave the food for others who need it more than us but he loves the bargains (free food) he gets from it. He genuinely wants to show off the stuff he's picked up whenever he goes - which is usually once a week.

I guess I feel a bit uncomfortable that this free food could be a lifeline to people. I do like charity shopping and getting a bargain but I don't feel as bad, as I'm paying what they decide they feel it's worth and the money is going to charity. This is completely free and run by volunteers.

Ok.

Why? Too stupid or too lazy? To just jump in with their pearls of wisdom and look as thick as shit in the process is just pathetic

Where does the food come from?

The bottom line for me is. There are people who use these services who live on benefits. Or are in low income jobs. Someone in a higher tax bracket doesn't need to use it

If you don't need it - don't use it. If you are on a high salary you do not need to be rocking up to a community pantry just because you like getting a bargain

Or at least use it every now and then. Not every week because you absolutely are depriving poorer people of something that could be a lifeline for them.

That will be the hill I will die on - because I'm poor. I have been really reluctant to use certain services in the past because someone might need it more than me - and I live in a poor area. I can't imagine being a high earner and going to use a pantry because bargains

Which is basically the same thing.

I think some people would rather see good fresh food thrown away than let people who are not hard up have them.

So many idiots on here

I can't stand wealthy people who are tight. It's an illness. My partner and I live monthly to month and you two are on the grab. Sickening.

Not really because you do pay for them.

It would seem so - and I say that as someone who is trying to live on under £23000 with two dependants.

It might be useful in getting other local people using the service to see him using it - demonstrating it's for reducing food waste rather than for people who are food insecure. This reduces stigma and might help people who could do with it make use of it too.

Sometimes food that comes from places set up to prevent food waste isn't in a format that works for people in precarious circumstances so it's not taking something away from a person in poverty.

But it's still a bit 'off' - think it'd be good to make a small cash donation to the pantry / a local service for people experiencing food insecurity.

Sorry what?

We've got a community pantry in our village church. It's about food waste, but also functions as an unofficial food bank. I give food to it but have never taken from it. However, the "rules" around it are very unclear.

If it's genuinely about food waste then anyone can take from it.

I volunteer at a community pantry. We want EVERYONE to come and take the food. Firstly, because we often struggle to get rid of it all and it’s a shame for it to be wasted and secondly, because if everyone uses it, it makes it seem less of a stigma for those who might need it.

My thoughts exactly!

I understand the difference, there are still people a lot more needy than two high rate tax payers. Total pair of scabs, disgusting!

Yes, fuel poverty is a real problem and i am sorry, not only that you had such a horrible experience, but had such inadequate help to deal with it. One of the sad things to see at the food bank are the rise of the cold water packs - for people with no cooking facilities.

But there is another issue here. There are people going in who have the means and ability to cook - but who wont accept fresh vegetables as they wont eat them.

Aren’t you clever love. Don’t be patronising. They can afford to pay for their own and leave the food for me others who it would benefit much more. Do you not think given the average wage?!!

So people on high wages shouldn't be taking part in anti-food waste initiatives?

It’s open to all. It’s that simple

Sorry but no. Until last September I was living on 400 pounds a month universal credit. A community pantry was my lifeline. The food wouldn't be thrown away either. Staff would be able to take it home. You wonder why someone like me who lives on benefits is uncomfortable with a high earner using a community pantry just because they want to show off about their latest bargain.

Don't call people idiots either. At the pantry in my home town people queue for an hour before opening time - that's poverty. Let's not indulge a well off bargain hunter eh

I'm stepping out. Some people don't know what being poor is. That's very clear.

Selfish,selfish,selfish…whats happens the day the food runs dry and old Alfie is turned awaycos your hubby got the last bagful… you need to educate your man better ❤️

I will never understand the mindset of someone who wants to show off about getting a bargain more than leaving food for people who really need it.

We are allowed to have a different view. I would personally feel I was taking from others who would benefit more but that’s just one view. I equally respect that others may have differing views.

It’s in the past - one I hope never to experience again.

The other issue you mention - I think finding out the why is quite important - there could be many reasons ‘why’ that are legitimate. Just like for me I’d rather become a victim of malnutrition than eat tinned veg (because I’ll likely throw it back up if I do manage to eat it - can’t help it, it’s a sensory thing)