Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Cost of living

Stretching your budget? Share tips and advice to discuss budgeting and energy saving here. For the latest deals and discounts, sign up for Mumsnet Moneysaver emails.

See all MNHQ comments on this thread

Original poster

Food bank

180 replies

Bexicles83 · 19/02/2023 07:49

Hello, I have been waiting for a voucher for a food bank referral but there now aren’t any food banks open today near me! What do you do - it’s so amazing that there is a system in place to help but only if it’s a weekday. I’m not sure what to do / doesn’t anyone have any advice ? Thank you

OP posts:
GiltEdges · 19/02/2023 09:54

Look up your local church. They’ll be open today for Sunday service and will be happy to help you.

MNHQ
CCmumsnet · 19/02/2023 09:56

Hello everyone
We've had a number of reports from people concerned about this thread so, as we usually do in these circs, we're putting our heads round the door with some important reminders.
Right now we can't see any evidence to indicate that the OP isn't above board – if we did, we'd remove the thread straight away. But the truth is that, sadly, we at MNHQ can't know with 100% certainty that any poster is genuine, no matter who they are or how long they have been here. As frustrating as it is, we're not able to vouch for anyone here.
So we always ask users to remember that not everyone on the internet is who they say they are – and remind folk not to give more to another poster, either financially (in cash or gifts) or emotionally (in time or care and support) than they'd be prepared to lose if things went wrong. We strongly advise against parting with any cash or giving away your personal details, and if you receive a PM which makes you uneasy - report it to us and we’ll take a look.

Sorry to hijack your thread briefly there, OP – we really hope you get it all sorted soon.🌼

Original poster
Bexicles83 · 19/02/2023 09:57

Thanks I’ll keep an eye I’ve turned on notifications now

OP posts:
Terrysnotmine · 19/02/2023 09:58

Random as it sounds do you have a local fb group? Our allow us to post anonymously via a moderator, there’s no way I’d let someone near me not have anything, people do it on the group near me. Kindness of strangers.

Original poster
Bexicles83 · 19/02/2023 09:58

Totally understand- there are some not genuine ppl about - I’m just asking for advice and help really some people have been great :)

OP posts:
Ifyoudidnt · 19/02/2023 09:58

Would one of your neighbours give you some pasta and a box of cereal ? I know if someone knocked here i would help them x

SussexBonfireViking · 19/02/2023 09:58

My local food hub

www.havenscommunityhub.co.uk/

This is in Newhaven
Every evening (not sure if weekends) volunteers go and collect food from supermarkets and have people from the village collect it to use and save from landfill

Once the pre arranged collectors have been, we then put it out for collection by anyone in the village

I have never seen so much bread!!

TaRaDeBumDeAy · 19/02/2023 10:00

Could you google and see if there is a salvation army place nearby? They might do free meals.

Okunevo · 19/02/2023 10:01

You could ask neighbours if you could borrow a stock cube or an onion or something to make more of a soup. If you don't want them to know your situation I mean, something you could have just run out of and it's not worth going to the shop for.

florentina1 · 19/02/2023 10:02

@mumda Food vouchers for supermarkets are no alternative to food banks. When this was tried before it led to humiliation for the recipients. Looks and comments from both staff and customers are very unpleasant. There are those who feel the people should just be grateful and put up with the abuse.

Food banks are not perfect, but everyone waiting for food is in the same situation. Staff are very kind and understanding. I am not sure how many people know that food banks don’t just give out food. They help in all sorts of ways, debt and addiction issues, domestic abuse etc. Some have member of citizens advise attend weekly. Quite often , the first time the LA is aware of a vulnerable person in the area is when they turn up at the Food bank. Nobody knows how long they have been in crisis before hand

As for those who think people donate to feel smug, we don’t care what you reason is. The generosity of stores and individuals is q lifeline for us. Image what a different it would make if just one packet soup was added by every shopper that could afford it, who had never donated previously.

NanaRant · 19/02/2023 10:02

@Bexicles83 Can you give a rough idea of whereabout in Scotland you are? Maybe some kind person would bring you some food? No judgement, just help. It pains me to know your 5 year old can potentially go hungry and it is half-term in Scotland, so won't get food at school. I for one, would be happy to help, but I expect I am too far away, but I have family in other parts of Scotland x

Original poster
Bexicles83 · 19/02/2023 10:04

Yes I have started ball rolling now with ofgem

OP posts:
FlippyFloppyShoe · 19/02/2023 10:04

[email protected] - email Scottish power if you haven't already, explain and ask them to call/contact you as you are desperate/can't feed you child etc etc
Cc their CEO on it [email protected]
I've found doing that before now tends to speed responses up.
I know it's not your immediate problem, but it is causing your immediate problem. Good luck x

Bemyclementine · 19/02/2023 10:06

I'd be happy to give some food for today as I'm sure anyone would

Original poster
Bexicles83 · 19/02/2023 10:19

That’s very kind

OP posts:
Okunevo · 19/02/2023 10:23

Do you have literally nothing else in the cupboards? Red lentils or a barley based soup mix would make a soup into a filling meal. Or you have family nearby who could share food even if they have no spare money?

plumduck · 19/02/2023 10:26

Okunevo · 19/02/2023 10:23

Do you have literally nothing else in the cupboards? Red lentils or a barley based soup mix would make a soup into a filling meal. Or you have family nearby who could share food even if they have no spare money?

If OP had that I imagine she'd say.

She has broccoli, 2 sweet potatos and milk and has now found a normal potato somewhere.

FancyFanny · 19/02/2023 10:37

I can't imagine if you have family and friends that any of them would see you go hungry! Surely you could borrow a small amount gof food from them or a few pounds for something for tea.

MrsSkylerWhite · 19/02/2023 10:38

I’m not religious but admire a lot of the practical work churches are doing to help local people atm.
I would contact local churches for help or advice.

Jellyhater · 19/02/2023 10:41

Bexicles83 · 19/02/2023 09:54

South east

Where abouts? I’m on the Surrey/ West Sussex border, am I close?

Original poster
Bexicles83 · 19/02/2023 10:43

Yea not too far - but far enough - I’m in Surrey lovely x

OP posts:
Original poster
Bexicles83 · 19/02/2023 10:44

You’re about 45 mins from me probs x

OP posts:
Original poster
Bexicles83 · 19/02/2023 10:45

No, I don’t have red lentils or barley

OP posts:
FancyFanny · 19/02/2023 10:46

I know times are hard, but I struggle to imagine how you end up in this situation. Food is number one priority. Can one of you go out and find work for today? Offering to clear leaves, cut trees, wash cars locally? Have you got anything you can sell or pawn?

MockneyReject · 19/02/2023 10:50

Anonymous Facebook post is a good shout.
A woman (just out of refuge) recently did this in ours, as she had no means to wash clothes. Several people offered to do laundry for them, people cleared out their own kids' wardrobes and she also received offers of takeaways for that evening.
We met up the following day in a local supermarket cafe, so they had breakfast and chose some groceries and new underwear.

My point is that people will help if they can, and it doesn't need to be humiliating.

Also, don't dismiss the church. Our local ones are all very joined up, and are the hub of the local community and community based projects, including the food and clothing banks. And they're open on Sundays.