Food Banks

[dave50]

Apparently even more people are using them now. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2605661/Almost-ONE-million-Britons-seek-food-bank-help-following-162-percent-jump-number-people-seeking-emergency-food-help.html
When something is free, demand will always outstrip supply. Are we saying that if these food banks disappeared, these people would starve to death?

[Mamyalynne]

NJ, previously there were fewer food banks and then only in certain areas, also many were unaware they qualified for help - now more are in each area and there is better information about them too.

[Svejk]

there you go^. if its non nutritional rubbish as you seem to be suggesting now. What's the point of dishing it out.
Millions of people seem to manage, very nicely some of them, on their benefits. Why are these people different?
I'm sure there are people, unfairly, sanctioned but 400,000 people had repeat sanctions last year. It would be interesting to know why. If they are people that just cant help themselves (possibly through drink/drugs) shouldn't there come a point when society gives up on them. be cruel to be

[Svejk]

oops, pressed wrong button.
cruel to be kind, as it were. If there are children involved wouldn't it be kinder all round to remove them from such an environment.
Also, when sanctioned, there are 2 or 3 different funds you can apply to for (lower) subsistence benefits which are worked out to keep you fed etc.

[losgigs]

To answer the op's question, no, I don't think they would starve to death, but life would be very hard. However, maybe some of them should consider whether they can afford to have a(nother) child, if they are on limited income. I know that jobs may be lost at any time, but the man who was interviewed on ITV news earlier, said that he had been unable to get work for the last 5 years. He was then seen walking away pushing a young child in a buggy. Perhaps they should have delayed adding to the family until they could afford to do so?

[whirlyhurly]

Tut tut the undeserving poor is it?

[sherrardk]

None of these benefits or assistance are instant - what are you supposed to live on, fresh air? Can you put off your bills for a while, you can't put off eating.

[mikey4444]

Amazing ignorance in some the replies to this post. I help out with my local Food Bank and we are over whelmed sometimes. Can iI suggest that all those that don't understand how the Trussell Trust are now dispensing nearly a million three-days packs a year of food consider volunteering with local Food Bank, and see for themselves what the situation is. Those people have nothing to lose but their ignorance.

[Svejk]

no point in tutting.

[Svejk]

your answer to everything, mikey. if people don't agree with you they must be stupid or ignorant.

[mikey4444]

Yet again Svejk, you have become personally abusive. Not sure why. I am merely suggesting that people should get involved and then they might see the truth of this situation.

[Jeza]

Back in in early 70's when Mic and I got together we had nothing and I mean nothing. There was no housing benefit, tax credits and any other benefit that now seems to be the right of the work shy. We worked our way out of having nothing by working 18 hour days. Now that we have saved and doing okay we have to pay full whack for Mics care. We have never had anything for free. Pay for care, pay for pads, even pay for creams for Mics pressure sores which were courtesy of the hospital. I DO feel for the genuine, but the work shy who pay in nothing and then get every thing for free really get my back up.

[pixie373]

I'm sure I've read before that the majority of people(?) are only two pay cheques away from poverty. With the massive rises in food and utility bills alone, i can see how a lot of people are struggling.

[sherrardk]

Pixie, on the news today it said that people were only one pay cheque away from poverty. It's easy to see how this can be the case, limited savings, something horrible happens, can't access benefits for however many weeks, spend limited savings and you are in the queue at the food bank.

[Mamyalynne]

// Remove the children from that environment//



//Everything for free//

Phrases that have my BP rise and a Migraine threaten.


Prior to HB in 1982 was The Rent Rebate System (Council Tenants) and Rent Allowance Scheme (Non Council Tenants).


Help for the poor is not new.

[pixie373]

Yes, exactly- and wages aren't increasing at the same rate.

[Jeza]

What about the saying " you cut your coat according to your cloth"

[sherrardk]

I suppose in the past people were more likely to stay living near to their families who helped them out, both with food and child care.

[sherrardk]

You can't make a self purse out of a pig's ear however hard you try.

[Mamyalynne]

Of course you do Jeza, however when the job goes, the Landlord wants you out, isn't it fair to claim what the State allows for times like those ?