Burnley Food Bank

[lankeela]

Just watched an item on BBC about a pastor giving out food to residents in Burnley and was very shocked to see a young couple that I know (well the chap not the girl) taking food - shocked as I know the family and they are not what you would call poor. I suppose circumstances can change but it made me wonder.

[anneasquith]

Made you wonder what ?

[lankeela]

Made me wonder why they were using a food bank, when I know the family are not 'badly off'.

[Vagus]

Maybe you don’t know the full story...
Or maybe they’re scrounges..
Who knows?

[dave50]

Dont know what to think about the explosion in the need for food banks. What is actually going? You never heard of them a few years ago.

[gulliver1]

Never knock the needy Lank , just be thankful it isn't you . One never knows whats around the corner, today it is them tomorrow it may be you. Who knows.

[nailit]

Theres no doubt that people will abuse 'charity' to get something for nothing. That doesnt mean that the charity shouldnt exist to help the genuinely needy.

Not a charity, but we have an NHS that helps all. Should it not exist because someone with a wart on his hooter decides to visit A&E on a Sunday morning?

I work for a foodbank and see both sides.
The genuine and the freeloaders.

[bobbinwales]

well said, Nailt. The majority am sure really appreciate it but theres allways some who will take something offered free . Fortunately you normally have to be recommended but the Burnley one, though worthy, seemed to offer to anyone who turned up so some would of abused it

[rowanwitch]

A lot of people in work are struggling, bills have risen and wages have lagged behind. There is a point at which your household income is just above the threshold for benefit support so you have to pay for everything, all it takes is one big expense, a funeral, a reduction in hours and you can go from managing ok to slipping further and further into trouble, credit card and other loan interest, can swallow up the previously disposable income. On paper you have enough to live on but in reality you have nothing. Those people you know might be in a similar situation.

[anneasquith]

I believe no one can just pop into a food bank without a referral from a professional body ?

[Vagus]

I don’t think the OP is talking about a food bank Ann, just someone giving out food.
But I believe you’re right, a referral is needed for a food bank.

[DTCwordfan]

go and see them lankeela, you could help make their Christmas if they are facing difficulties....

[shoota]

Maybe they just dragged in some random passers by for the cameras...

[Mamyalynne]

I agree with DTC, make contact and ask if they need anything.

This year has been so hard for many and quite a few for the first time.

[gulliver1]

Some people just delight in the downfall of others,

[douglas9401]

They may be distributing for the pastor.

[ummmm]

You can't judge. You don't know their overheads.

[Mamyalynne]

Even those who are helping are breaking.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-55133081

[Canary42]

So because some abuse it, we should discontinue it ?

Perhaps we should start with MP's expenses then.

[jourdain2]

Our local homeless charity, The Hinge, also runs a food bank for a very wide area of E. Riding. We have a box in the church porch for donations (food, household necessaries, toiletries etc.) and it has to be emptied 2 or 3 times a week. We had a message from them today saying a heartfelt thank-you. They say that they are now dealing with so many truly desperate people. It will get worse and it can happen to anyone. Help others while we can, it could be us or ones we know next. People do have to be referred to them and are checked, otherwise it is not fair on the ones in real need.

[AuntPollyGrey]

People sometimes look 'well off' when in reality all their cars, fancy kitchens/bathrooms/ furniture is on credit, couple that with a hefty mortgage can mean huge overheads every month. A few months on 80% wage or worse -self-employed that can't work - and you have the makings of being financial unable to cope. I would think for these sorts of folks having to take free food is embarrassing, but probably essential.