Food Banks

[Hopkirk]

I've just been to Waitrose.

The food bank donation box was filled with Easter eggs. Do they actually want these?

Perhaps someone should put some packets of fags in too.

[ummmm]

As said above...

I split with my partner so went from a two income family to just one income. It was very hard and I worked full time!

[Arksided]

wow you really must have peed him off Uuuum.... but bless Xx

[ummmm]

No...I didn't. He didn't want to leave.

Just my point is that things change. I've never relied on family or food banks but I didn't have much left over at the end of the month.

[Arksided]

I've being there sorry for being a tad flippant Ummm Xx

[vetuste_ennemi]

How are the goods donated to food banks distributed? Is it a jumble sale first come first get principle, or is it a rational process requiring assessment of need and stand in line?

[sherrardk]

You have to be referred by a health visitor or social worker or similar and there’s a cap on how often you can go - think it’s three times in three months (I suspect that’s not correct). It’s not an ever ending supply.

[ummmm]

Yes, ve, you have to be referred.

[ummmm]

Arky...no worries x

[albaqwerty]

I ppresume it's the same everywhere but my local one:

letter of referral from either Social Work or DWP detailing number of adults and dependent children.
Hand that to the nice person at the foodbank, have a seat, a cup of tea or coffee and a biscuit if you wish - a chat is always available if you need one.

They are away sorting out your nutritional requirements whilst you are waiting.

It was not a supermarket where you went to browse.

[bainbrig]

I am extremely heartened by the number of contributors to this question who have expressed sympathy and support for the vast majority of foodbank users.

Cliche it might be, but it does restore my faith in my fellow humans.

BB

[murraymints]

I always add a few items to the food bank bin at TESCO..the usual tinned goods...a wee choccie treat usually or biscuits.. but always some personal hygeine stuff too..toilet rolls, shampoo, sanitary wear etc and at Christmas and easter.. mince pies, chocolate , selection boxes, easter eggs...

[rowanwitch]

People who use food banks have other needs too. I always thought there should be pet food banks not just for the rescue centres but for people who may have to let a beloved animal go because they can't afford to feed it. For a single person that must be especially distressing. There was a man near us that was barely eating to feed his dog until the support services found out. Happy ending a local animal charity is giving him pet food in return for his help once a week

[murraymints]

I always include cat and dog food in the tins Rowan..and biccies

[calmck]

We do not have food banks as such here in the Algarve but on selected weekends there are collections in all the supermarkets by any of the following Boy Scouts,Red Cross or animal charities. Items can also be taken to local fire stations. They are then distributed in each area. An English supermarket is collecting Easter eggs for local orphanages at the moment

[nailit]

//there’s a cap on how often you can go - think it’s three times in three months (I suspect that’s not correct)//
Sherr, its actually 3 times in 6 months.

[bainbrig]

My local one (in Neasden) which we support, has the 3-visits rule - but breaks it regularly. The saintly woman who runs it will turn no-one away, taking them in for a cup of tea and a biscuit, and often finding them a packet of something to take away with them.

All I do is throw money at the problem; what she does is show great compassion, as a full-time volunteer. I am both shamed and gladdened by her example.

B