Will they refer me to social services for using a foodbank?

[Felixe]

Posting again here as I didn’t know there was a credit crunch section. I’m a mum if 3
My bank account is -9.62 and i have had nothing for my family all week now. We are in poverty for a few reasons. I do work and we have cut back a lot but it’s just so hard at the moment. Unexpected bills going out this week has really strained things. We had beans on toast on Sunday and have just about put little bits together since but we have nothing in for tomorrow.
they get free breakfast club at school but we don’t get any money until Thursday and I’m worried about tomorrow.

i think I need to access a food bank in the morning and I think we are in the bracket where we do need that, but I’m worried about them passing our details on and informing the school or social services,
please can anybody reassure me this will be dealt with discreetly? I really don’t want people thinking I can’t look after my children.

They will help you
Go get the food. Contact your local church too. X

What a tricky situation. No, they shouldn’t contact social services and even if they did contact social services they wouldn’t want anything to do with it anyway unless there was threat of harm to a child - what your doing is the opposite, your helping your family. Please access the food you need.

So many people need to use food banks these days that they wouldn't even be able to keep up with all the referrals even if they did happen.

They absolutely won’t refer you to Social Services simply for accessing a food bank.

Contact your GP surgery and ask to be referred to their Social Prescriber (you shouldn’t need to speak to a doctor). They’ll be able to help you access other forms of support. In my area for example I’d help you apply to the County Council for a payment from their emergency fund ….. I’m dealing with people in your situation every day unfortunately.

@Felixe - where abouts in the uk are you? X

I think you'd be a lot more likely to be reported to SS if you didn't access the food bank. You're working to contribute towards household income and I guess you're children are loved and well cared for. You know you won't be able to feed all of you today, but there's a way you can solve this - the foodbank. It'd be neglect if you didn't try to do something.

Register with olio and check the app for food waste heros near you.
Tesco , Waitrose and pret food . Free.

No, over the past 2 years we've needed to use the food bank 3 times. I was mortified, but they were lovely and no referrals made.

Second olio though, I picked up 3 loaves of tiger bloomers this morning! 1 for now and the other 2 loaves in the freezer! Will be used for toast and sandwiches. Much nicer than the tescos own budget bread we usually buy if I'm buying it.

Hi OP,

I work in a school and can guarantee using a food bank will not get you referred to social services or the school. We act as a partner for our local food bank and since covid the service has increased in demand tremendously. On a side note, check out an app called Olio, it is completely free and you can get free food, most of it is within walking distance so you don't even need to drive there. I hope things get easier for you soon.

The only way they’d tell SS is if you turn up dragging filrthy children by the ear and yelling at them. Since you’re worried enough to post - you’re not in that category.

please do download the apps mentioned. Churches often provide both food bank vouchers and (if you’re in urgent need of food right now) vouchers to get a meal at a local cafe/chip shop. Your food bank will assist too.

also search for any local community food pantries. They have food just to take (no questions asked).

and you think it’s Sainsburys or Morrison’s that give away sanitary towels if you are in need of those.

Look for community pantries as well. There might also be other charities that give food near you so please have a Google for nearby food charities and community shops or pantries.

Absolutely not. I'm a sw in children servives. Please don't worry x