Struggling

[Sarahlouisemamofgirls]

Afternoon. Does anyone know of anywhere I can get food today for me and my daughters. Struggling to make ends meet completely now as a single mum to 4 and no food banks are open today. Thankyou

A credit card doesn't mean you have to be in debt. It is a sensible option to have.

I got in this position a few years ago and managed to feed the kids with nectar/tesco points then I discovered I had points on a Boots card and we all had a meal deal.
I now always make sure I have tinned beans, soup and super noodles for long months. I also freeze bread and a litre of milk for emergencies.
BTW I’ve had to ring SS before for kids I look after and the social worker does a trolley dash for essentials and delivers to the house. They sometimes offer budgeting advice but more often than not it’s not followed up on.

The chances are that one or more people sent money to the op.

Even if you have bad credit and a low income, you should qualify for a low credit limit credit-builder credit card with somebody like Vanquis or Aqua, and you can request to have the limit set even lower to avoid the potential for real debt. Then you hide that card away in the back of a drawer somewhere so that it isn’t used day to day, but is available for precisely emergencies like you’ve had this weekend. As a parent who doesn’t appear to have any family or friends or community ties whatsoever to rely on in a bind, it’s an important backup to have so that your children can be fed when you have nothing else.

Can I just clarify not one of the people who posted on my thread sent money that wasn't my intentions if you read the post.. bizarre that you think that. One person messaged privately offering however I did decline. Thanks

No one's perfect and I definitely am not. I only observed that you seemed relaxed, based on what you'd written and how you wrote it - I'm not sure that really warrants the response above.

As I said - I'm sorry you are struggling - and you should probably get some advice and support from somewhere like Citizens Advice to try to help make sure you're not in this situation again.

What else were we meant to think?

It doesn't matter what you "think" it's irrelevant when you don't know any facts.. I'd never ever accept money from a stranger/good samaratin or anyone else. I simply asked if anyone knew of a foodbank in the area I wasn't asking for money

How did you get sorted?

So now you have sorted it…. Please offer the same help to others by advising what help has
come Through?

I must admit I'm a bit shocked someone on this thread actually offered money to the op.

What a silly thing to do. We try and teach our children about the Internet but there's adults who shouldn't be allowed on it unsupervised.

It wasn't help from any organisations ect my aunt sent me an asda e voucher to get us through the week. Can I thank the person who did offer to help with money your kindness is massively appreciated however was never my intentions so I did decline. The world needs more people like you I'm glad we got sorted my post was sheerly out of panic and worry. I'm only human. Thankyou

Foodbanks are local to individual areas. Some are linked to eg Trussell and are across the UK but there will be others that are totally independent and particular to an individual location.

Not sure if you ever said the area you're in OP, but if the need arises again in future, you'd probably be better off just googling 'food banks in X area' or something. You could see if you can join a local food group too - typically you pay a small amount every week and get bags of food in exchange

I did Google first to be fair but some don't say whether they're open. I did forget to say which area but I did reply to the first comment with the area in which I live thankyou x

My worry is Asda will now be closed

We have an asda garage open 24/7 I've already been to get tea and breakfast il do proper shopping in store tomorrow 😊

Good to hear family helped you.

Looks like Sunderland has a few discounted food schemes. Assuming you're not already a member, might be worth joining one to get cheaper food (and make your money go further):

www.linksforlifesunderland.co.uk/services/money/affordable-food/

Thankyou x

Fantastic

She's looking for food, people.

To feed her and 4 children. Stop now with the grilling.

She said she's sorted. Leave her alone or I'll come after yous myself!

How are you going to do that?

Unfortunately some people in this world are just awful 😖 let's hope they never fall upon hard times ey 😒

How do you know people on this thread aren't struggling themselves? You had a lot of good advice, it's obviously from people who've been through your situation.

People never learn 🙄

I’m just happy it’s sorted now for you and your girls