I'm stuck 😭

[Welsh2479]

Electricity has gone up the money I have is meant to be going on food but is now going to electric so I'm left with nothing for three days, I'm in tears and feel pathetic. Food banks need a referral but I don't drive I'm really in mess and I'm sick of the struggle.Do all food banks need a referral? will I have to just suck it up? Any advice would be gladly appreciated.

@Welsh2479 have you looked on Olio the free sharing app? There are ‘food champions’ who give food free eg they work at Tesco, Pret or wherever and take food that would normally be binned, as it can’t be sold the next day, to give away to save waste.

olioex.com/

You say you don’t drive - how far is your nearest town?

I don’t know any food banks that deliver and I’m not in your area do I don’t know any specific charities.

Do you have any family or friends you can borrow £5 off until you can access a food bank.

Are you a single parent?

I would try and ring citizens advice.
I don’t know if they can make a referral on your behalf but it’s worth a try.

Sorry mumsnet

OK thanks I'm going to bow out now I didn't know asking for advice was suspicious

This is not the only thread that has waited until there is literally no food in the house to reach out for help.

I get there’s an element of burying your head in the sand but I urge everyone to work out their finances and food stock and work out how long it will last.

Then you can get help when you actually need it and not have to not eat for a couple of days.

You would get more useful advice if you were a bit more forthcoming.

Download an app called Olio, it's free and has free food listings. You just request things you want.

I live very rurally and the food bank deliver here.

@Welsh2479 hi sorry to hear of your situation
my local mosque which I attend run a open food bank, anyone can come and they dont require a referral
you can also try and ring and nearby mosques and even if that one doesnt have they can refer you fo one who does

OP if you're still here, have a look at Moneysaving Expert.

www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/how-to-get-help-if-you-re-struggling-with-your-energy-bills-/

If you're on such a low income that you can't afford electricity and food, you might be able to get extra grants or go onto a special tariff, so you can manage easier. But you need to talk to your supplier, because until you do, they don't know that you're a 'can't pay' and not a 'won't pay'.

Unfortunately, it's shit right now, but you might be able to make things a bit easier if you seek out all the help that's available, from all sources, not just extra food, but elsewhere, so you have more money available to spend on food and other essentials.

Good luck .

Just download the Tesco groceries app, log in, if you don't have a Tesco online account then register for one then add your Clubcard to your account.

You can exchange your vouchers and you'll get an email and notification when they're added to your account then you open the voucher and scan it at the till.

OP,

See my posts above - a food bank in West Midlands that delivers and does not need a referral.

Also a list of other non referral food banks in West Mids.

Anyone on prepayment meters can get an emergency top up from their supplier.

Asking for advice is not suspicious. It's just that sometimes it is someone hinting for strangers to send them money and it's not wise to do that.

I'm not from your area OP, but a quick google has brought this up.

www.salma-foodbank.org/

They seem to deliver.

Do you have anything left in your cupboard or freezer?

@Welsh2479 you absolutely can ask for help. And people do believe you are in the situation you are in. Sadly so sick bastards have scammed people previously with stories of poverty so Mumsnet have a duty to remind people to be careful. It does not mean they think you are making things up just that some people do make things up.
Check you Tesco card if you have £2.50 you can buy lentils, cous cous, tin of tomatoes an onion. Make a a dhal and bag of porridge (slow release energy). Go at 9pm they might have double discount stuff get your elbows out and get some cheap fruit.

@Welsh2479 Of course you can - and should! - ask for advice if you're struggling.

The problem is that people have provided you with lots of options which you seem to have ignored, you haven't replied with any info about who you mean by "we" and you seemed to imply that you couldn't do the Tesco club card because you don't have the internet - but you clearly do as you're posting here.

In many ways I would prefer it if you were someone trying it on as I'd hate to think of ANYONE without something to eat. If you're genuine, then come back and provide us with some more info so we can help you. Lots of smart posters on here with excellent knowledge. But if you don't provide more info and just keep saying you're embarrassed - while asking to pm members individually - then people will think the worst.

Either way, I hope you're OK. Please read these comments as there are lots of really helpful ideas.

If you download the Greggs app you can claim a free sausage roll. It’s not much but it’s better than nothing if you’re determined not to engage with any of the food donation points available.

Community larders do not need a referral.
We have one in the cafe where I volunteer: you take what you need.
Worth checking if there is one near you.

@WonderfulYou

This is not the only thread that has waited until there is literally no food in the house to reach out for help.

I get there’s an element of burying your head in the sand but I urge everyone to work out their finances and food stock and work out how long it will last.

Then you can get help when you actually need it and not have to not eat for a couple of days.

Absolutely right. It's a nightmare I will never let it get this bad again. Whoever is wondering about the tesco thing - NO you can't do it.

@WonderfulYou

This is not the only thread that has waited until there is literally no food in the house to reach out for help.

I get there’s an element of burying your head in the sand but I urge everyone to work out their finances and food stock and work out how long it will last.

Then you can get help when you actually need it and not have to not eat for a couple of days.

It is not helpful to judge other people.

It is a shit situation and a common response is to bury your head in the sand.

I assume you are perfect at all times so have this as your reward.

You can do the Tesco points. I’ve done it. It just takes 24 hours to convert to vouchers.

Don’t give incorrect information please.

Check all cupboards and sofas for change, this can really add up.

Buy a bag of pasta and some pasetta sauce - less than £1 would do a few meals with that.

Ask for a referral - there’s nothing wrong with that I know a few professionals who’ve had to do that recently on £30K plus - if they can do it so can you.

Also a good app to try is toogoodtogo

But don't be embarrassed about asking for help or getting a food bank referral, people will help but you need to ask.