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Food banks

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago

This morning I attended a meeting with some colleagues at the same building the weekly food bank runs from. It was food bank day and there were about 50 or 60 people queued up with their carrier bags waiting to be let in.

I found it one of the most depressing things I've ever seen (which is saying a lot given that my job is with some of the most marginalised members of society and I've seen a hell of a lot of miserable stuff!). The people in the queue stood in silence, not talking to each other, some looked grey/ill, some looked too frail to be queuing up in the cold, many were puffing on cigarettes as they stood in silence waiting. There were some elderly folk in the queue, some young parents with buggies, people of all ages. Everyone just looked MISERABLE to have found themselves in these circumstances.

I have never routinely donated to a food bank before but seeing this made me decide to do so regularly.

Others in the group of people I was with had differing views:

"They shouldn't spend money on fags if they can't afford food"

"Why have social services not taken the baby into care if the mother can't feed it"

"Why should I spend money feeding others when I'm not exactly rich"

I had to bite my tongue somewhat and am interested in how generally food banks are perceived.

What do you think of food banks? Do you donate? Why?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I think they are a brilliant cause and if you can donate then do...so many people are having to use them with the flaw in the change over to universal credits.

Some aren't getting any income for 6 weeks how else do they feed themselves.

The traveller community near where I live did a fb challenge to name others and get them to donate a trolley full of food just before Christmas and the food bank had put pictures of this up and it was great to see.

It's a bit of community spirit also...I always remember my mother would make a neighbour a meal if they needed it...And now most people don't even know their neighbours.

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex

I donate and have done for years.

I think they're a good thing.

There is a lot of misinformation about food banks.

I'm in no position to judge someone in a foodbank queue with a baby or a cigarette.

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex


"I think they are a brilliant cause and if you can donate then do...so many people are having to use them with the flaw in the change over to universal credits.

Some aren't getting any income for 6 weeks how else do they feed themselves.

The traveller community near where I live did a fb challenge to name others and get them to donate a trolley full of food just before Christmas and the food bank had put pictures of this up and it was great to see.

It's a bit of community spirit also...I always remember my mother would make a neighbour a meal if they needed it...And now most people don't even know their neighbours."

Yes, my mum used to have a "spare pie" quite often that a neighbour helped her out by taking off her hands if she knew they were down on their luck

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By *opsy71Woman
over a year ago

Sheffield

I used to volunteer at a food bank in my spare time delivering food parcels out to emergency cases.

A message to the people who send disparaging messages to these people who sadly have to queue up for food. There by the grace of God go I or you.

Nobody knows what is around the corner for ourselves or our loved ones.

We are all only 3 pay days away from living on the streets and could be evicted from our homes within 12 weeks if we lost our employment.

Universal credit roll out has been so poorly planned that many young families are going weeks without any money.

Some people have plucked up courage to leave an oppressive, abusive relationship and have to access foodbanks on a temporary basis to feed the family (you would be critical if they stayed in the abuse and put the

children at risk) so no matter what they did the bigots wouldn't approve.

So before any of you judge, pause, think, could this one day be you or your family member? It's closer than you think!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

It's the way it was done...there were always kids eating at our house as my mother was a bulk bake type of woman and we never went short of food.

And anyone can be down on their luck regardless if they smoke ECT and if someone is stood waiting for the food bank to feed their child...at least they are feeding their child in the best way they can, and they have to have vouchers given by authorities so will need them.

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By *iamondsmiles.Woman
over a year ago

little house on the praire

yes i donate regularly. maybe the goverment should stand and watch these people in the queues

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Yes regularly contribute, it's important my children see this side of things. Also used to help out in the soup kitchens for the homeless on a Tuesday but shift work as stopped my voluntary efforts

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex


"I used to volunteer at a food bank in my spare time delivering food parcels out to emergency cases.

A message to the people who send disparaging messages to these people who sadly have to queue up for food. There by the grace of God go I or you.

Nobody knows what is around the corner for ourselves or our loved ones.

We are all only 3 pay days away from living on the streets and could be evicted from our homes within 12 weeks if we lost our employment.

Universal credit roll out has been so poorly planned that many young families are going weeks without any money.

Some people have plucked up courage to leave an oppressive, abusive relationship and have to access foodbanks on a temporary basis to feed the family (you would be critical if they stayed in the abuse and put the

children at risk) so no matter what they did the bigots wouldn't approve.

So before any of you judge, pause, think, could this one day be you or your family member? It's closer than you think!

"

Not one word of negative judgement on this thread so far.

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By *tirluvMan
over a year ago

the right frame of mind -London

Ah another symptom of the Tories Universal Credit Shambles -bless em,

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex


"yes i donate regularly. maybe the goverment should stand and watch these people in the queues"

I think that anyone who is appointed as a government make minister for health or works and pensions should be required to use the NHS only for themselves and their family for at least six months and during that time should live solely on the maximum benefit payment. Their genuine expenses for their ministerial duties could be claimed in the normal way

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By *ay rickMan
over a year ago

cardiff

My friend ran one for a number of years left a good while back due to area managers driving £50000 mercs to shop...and once the GOVERment got they're dirty claws involved!!!.....it's a amazing thing to see people doing so much to help others....as above said..you never know what's around the corner so support support support I say

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By *opsy71Woman
over a year ago

Sheffield


"It's the way it was done...there were always kids eating at our house as my mother was a bulk bake type of woman and we never went short of food.

And anyone can be down on their luck regardless if they smoke ECT and if someone is stood waiting for the food bank to feed their child...at least they are feeding their child in the best way they can, and they have to have vouchers given by authorities so will need them."

Your mother sounds a wonderful woman

I must admit when my son was young I fed all the kids on the street at lunch time in the school holidays

Huge plates of bread n jam or bread n cheese spread in the middle of the table, few bags of crisps in a bowl and a jug of orange squash meant all the kids got fed.

I never minded I enjoyed feeding them all plus I always knew the kids were well and safe.

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By *an123Man
over a year ago

Sittingbourne

Always get some bits when shopping for the food bank and also purchase sanitary items for it.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

It's not only the unemployed that use food banks, there are plenty of reports of people on low incomes and zero hours contracts using them, even nurses.

It's not for me to judge, whatever the reason, but i can't say they're a good thing but they are necessary, just a consequence of the state of our nation. There's also a rise in the number of homeless, i think it's all very sad.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I donate food at the supermarket for the food banks and dog and cat food.

I used to volunteer in one in Barnstaple and if you can help please do.

How much food do you throw away and not use as it’s a day out of date.

We’ve become a throwaway society.

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By *iamondsmiles.Woman
over a year ago

little house on the praire


"yes i donate regularly. maybe the goverment should stand and watch these people in the queues

I think that anyone who is appointed as a government make minister for health or works and pensions should be required to use the NHS only for themselves and their family for at least six months and during that time should live solely on the maximum benefit payment. Their genuine expenses for their ministerial duties could be claimed in the normal way "
i agree ive seen some do it for a week. great anyone can do it for a week. six months would give them a good incite. I know a guy whose part of a couple have all his disability benefits stopped his wives career allowance halved and his car taken away. For no reason his disability hasnt changed theyve just decided to stop his £500 and something a month and give him £90 yes £90 a week to live on for him and his wife. Luckily hes getting great support and so far managed to get the car back but has no money to put diesel in it

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I agree they shouldn't be smoking but the rest is pretty sad

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I regularly donate to my local food bank and think it's worth mentioning that in my area they are always desperately short of toiletries, sanitary products and nappies too, not just food.

Also, bags of rice or pasta are frequently donated but sauces and the like to go with them aren't.

If you do a weekly shop, most of us would barely notice the cost of a few extra items that mean so much to those less fortunate.

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago

What a lovely lot you are

I am going to drop a few bits in to the foodbank box each week from now on, as someone above said, many of us could end up in that queue one day.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Regards to this subject, why cant supermarkets donate to foodbanks? Or do they? Close to christmas time i was in sainsburys late at night, i saw one of the staff members at the bakery section putting so many bread rolls and pastrys into a bin bag, it made me so angry, it still looked good and im sure a family would have appreciated it? I just dont understand it!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

About 3/4 years ago I volunteered in a local food bank for about a year.

You get all sorts of people not just people you would possibly expect.

I remember one lady coming in she was very well dressed and looks like somebody who was fairly well off to be honest. She came in with her voucher somebody took it to make up her food parcel while I made a cup of tea. This lady told me that she ran a business with her husband and up until 3 days before she had lived in a three quarters of a million pound house. She broke down and told me that her husband was very abusive and that she had finally walked out. She had literally left with only the clothes on her back as he had complete financial control so she had nothing. She was staying in women's refuge and had no money and no food. The reason I am saying this is because people that scoff and say I will never be me in that situation! just don't know what's round the corner. Even people that maybe do you have alcohol or drug issues or debt problems deserve help like I said none of us know what's round the corner.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Regards to this subject, why cant supermarkets donate to foodbanks? Or do they? Close to christmas time i was in sainsburys late at night, i saw one of the staff members at the bakery section putting so many bread rolls and pastrys into a bin bag, it made me so angry, it still looked good and im sure a family would have appreciated it? I just dont understand it!"

I know in Southampton they do just that and actually the supermarkets are fairly generous. there is a project called fair share that collects the food from the supermarkets and distributes it between the local homeless hostels, foodbanks and soup kitchens. I'm assuming many other areas have a similar scheme.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"What a lovely lot you are

I am going to drop a few bits in to the foodbank box each week from now on, as someone above said, many of us could end up in that queue one day."

A lot of supermarkets in my local area have a trolley based at the entrance or by the till that you can put food in to donate the local foodbank. Might be worth seeing if there's something similar local to you.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Regards to this subject, why cant supermarkets donate to foodbanks? Or do they? Close to christmas time i was in sainsburys late at night, i saw one of the staff members at the bakery section putting so many bread rolls and pastrys into a bin bag, it made me so angry, it still looked good and im sure a family would have appreciated it? I just dont understand it!"

I’ve said exactly the same to someone I know works for Tesco. Apparently they can’t in case the food is out of date and someone gets ill then sues them.. I was godsmacked.

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By *luebell888Woman
over a year ago

Glasgowish

Hate to sound negative but loads of people abuse food banks. If i drank, smoked or took drugs i would not be able to afford food. I also know a women who went to 2 banks over xmas and got loads of toys free for her children then sold them the next day to feed her gambling addiction.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I have a clear out once a month and make a donation to the food bank, always add a few bits each week when I shop. I will very often donate sanitary pads, toothpaste etc.

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By *ngelina4uWoman
over a year ago

Camberley/Middleton


"Hate to sound negative but loads of people abuse food banks. If i drank, smoked or took drugs i would not be able to afford food. I also know a women who went to 2 banks over xmas and got loads of toys free for her children then sold them the next day to feed her gambling addiction."

A valid point but those who smoke are often addicted and have heavy withdraw symptoms and stress issues if they don't and duty on cigarettes is astronomical these days. Its not their fault they have been addicted to nicotine as there was less education on it in the past.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

When there’s offers on tampax I always buy an extra box and stick them in the food bank. Luxury item my arse.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Hate to sound negative but loads of people abuse food banks. If i drank, smoked or took drugs i would not be able to afford food. I also know a women who went to 2 banks over xmas and got loads of toys free for her children then sold them the next day to feed her gambling addiction."

Indeed. With everything good natured some people will try to abuse it to suit them.

It still provides for those that do need it, which is the main thing.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Hate to sound negative but loads of people abuse food banks. If i drank, smoked or took drugs i would not be able to afford food. I also know a women who went to 2 banks over xmas and got loads of toys free for her children then sold them the next day to feed her gambling addiction."

I'm sorry but I really feel the need to correct you there.

A very small minority of people abuse foodbanks definitely not loads.

You will always get people that will abuse the system and it's not just those at the bottom that abuse it it's also those at the top!

I just think it's always best not to tar everybody with the same brush.

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By *horley ChickWoman
over a year ago

Chorley

It mystifies me that anyone could possibly criticise food banks or those who need to use them!

What child ever said ‘when I grow up I want to be virtually destitute and survive off the concern and charity of others!’??

I can’t afford to donate to other charities as they tend to ask for monthly donations - and my financial situation can differ from one month to the next!

Donating to food banks (they have a collection point at my local supermarket) is the perfect way to help others as and when I’m able - and I’d strongly urge others in a similar financial position to do the same! X

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"This morning I attended a meeting with some colleagues at the same building the weekly food bank runs from. It was food bank day and there were about 50 or 60 people queued up with their carrier bags waiting to be let in.

I found it one of the most depressing things I've ever seen (which is saying a lot given that my job is with some of the most marginalised members of society and I've seen a hell of a lot of miserable stuff!). The people in the queue stood in silence, not talking to each other, some looked grey/ill, some looked too frail to be queuing up in the cold, many were puffing on cigarettes as they stood in silence waiting. There were some elderly folk in the queue, some young parents with buggies, people of all ages. Everyone just looked MISERABLE to have found themselves in these circumstances.

I have never routinely donated to a food bank before but seeing this made me decide to do so regularly.

Others in the group of people I was with had differing views:

"They shouldn't spend money on fags if they can't afford food"

"Why have social services not taken the baby into care if the mother can't feed it"

"Why should I spend money feeding others when I'm not exactly rich"

I had to bite my tongue somewhat and am interested in how generally food banks are perceived.

What do you think of food banks? Do you donate? Why?

"

Heartbreaking - including the mind-set of some of your work colleagues!

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By *ab_SparklesWoman
over a year ago

sparkle Surprised


"This morning I attended a meeting with some colleagues at the same building the weekly food bank runs from. It was food bank day and there were about 50 or 60 people queued up with their carrier bags waiting to be let in.

I found it one of the most depressing things I've ever seen (which is saying a lot given that my job is with some of the most marginalised members of society and I've seen a hell of a lot of miserable stuff!). The people in the queue stood in silence, not talking to each other, some looked grey/ill, some looked too frail to be queuing up in the cold, many were puffing on cigarettes as they stood in silence waiting. There were some elderly folk in the queue, some young parents with buggies, people of all ages. Everyone just looked MISERABLE to have found themselves in these circumstances.

I have never routinely donated to a food bank before but seeing this made me decide to do so regularly.

Others in the group of people I was with had differing views:

"They shouldn't spend money on fags if they can't afford food"

"Why have social services not taken the baby into care if the mother can't feed it"

"Why should I spend money feeding others when I'm not exactly rich"

I had to bite my tongue somewhat and am interested in how generally food banks are perceived.

What do you think of food banks? Do you donate? Why?

I'm not going to go into much but I personally asked that question about social services and the reply was social poverty is extremely different to actually causing abuse to children by deliberately not feeding them. So when you ever come across the question again. You can set the record straight. It was from a high class social service worker.

"

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

The situation you describe reminds me of them films of people queuing for war rations.

I do donate, of course I do because I'm in a position to do that.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

[Removed by poster at 14/01/19 15:24:14]

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Regards to this subject, why cant supermarkets donate to foodbanks? Or do they? Close to christmas time i was in sainsburys late at night, i saw one of the staff members at the bakery section putting so many bread rolls and pastrys into a bin bag, it made me so angry, it still looked good and im sure a family would have appreciated it? I just dont understand it!

I’ve said exactly the same to someone I know works for Tesco. Apparently they can’t in case the food is out of date and someone gets ill then sues them.. I was godsmacked. "

It was so sad to see! People stick to best before dates too much. Anything with a best before date is still safe to be eaten after that date! Bread and pastrys would not make people ill! We waste so much

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By *sGivesWoodWoman
over a year ago

ST. AUSTELL, CORNWALL

I donate, I've hit rock bottom myself and have been homeless with two young children with only food donation s in a women's refuge. I know what hard times are like and if by putting a few groceries in for food banks will help to ease things for others, it's feels like the right thing to do.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

To the People who say they shouldn't smoke. So there not allowed some comfort in there life's! If they knew that you used a swingers site they would probably think perv. But then again they probably wouldn't care as they have a child and them self's to feed. I think maybe you should go stand in one of the lines not just the politicians. As it can be embarrassing and knock your self confidence. So if they want to smoke let them be.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

And we should have the same laws as France. No supermarket waste! All gets donated to local charities.

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By *iamondsmiles.Woman
over a year ago

little house on the praire


"To the People who say they shouldn't smoke. So there not allowed some comfort in there life's! If they knew that you used a swingers site they would probably think perv. But then again they probably wouldn't care as they have a child and them self's to feed. I think maybe you should go stand in one of the lines not just the politicians. As it can be embarrassing and knock your self confidence. So if they want to smoke let them be."
when i gave our local homeless man his christmas presents i wrapped up a packet of tobacco and gave him it

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"I agree they shouldn't be smoking but the rest is pretty sad"

If I had to live some of their lives I would probably smoke too

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By *xLedZepxx2Man
over a year ago

Didcot

I think there are genuine cases and it's wrong to judge on why people need to use food banks, however, my experience is that the CAB are pretty keen on offering food vouchers, I went to see them because I was behind on council tax which I admitted was my own fault, they offered me food vouchers which I didn't need and refused, maybe the criteria needs to be tightened up.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

We donate regularly to our local food bank, I hope it never gets to the point where we have to use one. Some folk are scroungers but a lot are just down on their luck and need the help. We donate pet food too to the food banks. We know at least 3 family's with dogs who use it .

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Hate to sound negative but loads of people abuse food banks. If i drank, smoked or took drugs i would not be able to afford food. I also know a women who went to 2 banks over xmas and got loads of toys free for her children then sold them the next day to feed her gambling addiction.

A valid point but those who smoke are often addicted and have heavy withdraw symptoms and stress issues if they don't and duty on cigarettes is astronomical these days. Its not their fault they have been addicted to nicotine as there was less education on it in the past. "

Sorry but if they'd rather smoke than feed themselves, then let someone else benefit from it instead. Smoking has been known to be bad for your health for decades so that's simply bollocks

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Hate to sound negative but loads of people abuse food banks. If i drank, smoked or took drugs i would not be able to afford food. I also know a women who went to 2 banks over xmas and got loads of toys free for her children then sold them the next day to feed her gambling addiction.

A valid point but those who smoke are often addicted and have heavy withdraw symptoms and stress issues if they don't and duty on cigarettes is astronomical these days. Its not their fault they have been addicted to nicotine as there was less education on it in the past.

Sorry but if they'd rather smoke than feed themselves, then let someone else benefit from it instead. Smoking has been known to be bad for your health for decades so that's simply bollocks"

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"I agree they shouldn't be smoking but the rest is pretty sad

If I had to live some of their lives I would probably smoke too

"

Yes, if I found myself needing to stand in that queue I would be back on the fags quicker than anything too. We all have our coping strategies.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"I agree they shouldn't be smoking but the rest is pretty sad

If I had to live some of their lives I would probably smoke too

"

You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view, until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it. (from 'To Kill A Mockingbird').

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Hate to sound negative but loads of people abuse food banks. If i drank, smoked or took drugs i would not be able to afford food. I also know a women who went to 2 banks over xmas and got loads of toys free for her children then sold them the next day to feed her gambling addiction.

A valid point but those who smoke are often addicted and have heavy withdraw symptoms and stress issues if they don't and duty on cigarettes is astronomical these days. Its not their fault they have been addicted to nicotine as there was less education on it in the past.

Sorry but if they'd rather smoke than feed themselves, then let someone else benefit from it instead. Smoking has been known to be bad for your health for decades so that's simply bollocks"

Then why should you care? If they're intent on killing themselves they won't be claiming benefits for long.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

It's nothing to do with killing themselves. It's spending nearly a tenner on something which could buy a healthy meal. Stupid mentality

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By *iss_tressWoman
over a year ago

London


"It's not only the unemployed that use food banks, there are plenty of reports of people on low incomes and zero hours contracts using them, even nurses.

It's not for me to judge, whatever the reason, but i can't say they're a good thing but they are necessary, just a consequence of the state of our nation. There's also a rise in the number of homeless, i think it's all very sad."

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"It's nothing to do with killing themselves. It's spending nearly a tenner on something which could buy a healthy meal. Stupid mentality"

I was commenting on your lack of empathy. Poor health and obesity go hand in hand with poverty and the degradation that brings because these people have nothing better to live for.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"This morning I attended a meeting with some colleagues at the same building the weekly food bank runs from. It was food bank day and there were about 50 or 60 people queued up with their carrier bags waiting to be let in.

I found it one of the most depressing things I've ever seen (which is saying a lot given that my job is with some of the most marginalised members of society and I've seen a hell of a lot of miserable stuff!). The people in the queue stood in silence, not talking to each other, some looked grey/ill, some looked too frail to be queuing up in the cold, many were puffing on cigarettes as they stood in silence waiting. There were some elderly folk in the queue, some young parents with buggies, people of all ages. Everyone just looked MISERABLE to have found themselves in these circumstances.

I have never routinely donated to a food bank before but seeing this made me decide to do so regularly.

Others in the group of people I was with had differing views:

"They shouldn't spend money on fags if they can't afford food"

"Why have social services not taken the baby into care if the mother can't feed it"

"Why should I spend money feeding others when I'm not exactly rich"

I had to bite my tongue somewhat and am interested in how generally food banks are perceived.

What do you think of food banks? Do you donate? Why?

"

I think it's yet another sad reflection on the failing of capitalism.

So sad that they exist.

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex


"I think there are genuine cases and it's wrong to judge on why people need to use food banks, however, my experience is that the CAB are pretty keen on offering food vouchers, I went to see them because I was behind on council tax which I admitted was my own fault, they offered me food vouchers which I didn't need and refused, maybe the criteria needs to be tightened up."

If you had used the food bank vouchers the money you saved could have helped you with some of your council tax arrears.

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex


"It's nothing to do with killing themselves. It's spending nearly a tenner on something which could buy a healthy meal. Stupid mentality"

At face value it does appear stupid. I think it's best not to take anything at face value

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By *onnie And Clyde9070Couple
over a year ago

Leeds


"Regards to this subject, why cant supermarkets donate to foodbanks? Or do they? Close to christmas time i was in sainsburys late at night, i saw one of the staff members at the bakery section putting so many bread rolls and pastrys into a bin bag, it made me so angry, it still looked good and im sure a family would have appreciated it? I just dont understand it!

I’ve said exactly the same to someone I know works for Tesco. Apparently they can’t in case the food is out of date and someone gets ill then sues them.. I was godsmacked. "

Considering the profits the big supermarkets make it wouldn't hurt them if they donated some in date fresh produce, bread, milk etc alongside tinned and packet food which has a long shelf life. Even if it's the very cheapest own brand stuff someone will be greatful for it. Quite possibly a child.

But not to appear negative, we have nothing but the utmost respect for all the people who help run the food banks, often in their free time after finishing work.

It's sad that in the fifth richest country on the planet people and families are having to endure this while the wealthiest get huge tax breaks and see their riches increase on a daily basis.

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex

Co op donate in date left over food to charity as far as I'm aware so do Aldi. Our local food bank Facebook page has always got pictures on it of trolley loads of food donated by local businesses and their staff and smaller but equally appreciated donations made by school children or members of the public.

Some of the stories the staff tell are heart breaking.

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By *rygveMan
over a year ago

The Shires

If I get asked to sponsor someone for some big charity event I’ll decline, but I’ll donate food to the food bank instead.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I regularly donate to the local food bank.

Times are tough for every one . It's important to show compassion.

At Christmas I made up two Christmas hampers to help local families.

I've helped out at the food bank , I've seen the compassion given , none judgemental .

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I forgot to add . I also buy feminine hygiene products.

Period Poverty is a real issue .

Women and young girls going with out these products .

Its an outrage that this is happening in Britain in 2019 .

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

When I had some time off i wandered into my local food bank for coffee and a biscuit, it must say something about the way i was dressed that they thought i was there to claim !!! I spent a couple of hours there and the stories the volunteers tell you are shocking, I don't live in a deprived area so was genuinely shocked by the whole setup, from that point till now I'm a supporter and that won't stop, I'm not interested in the political argument, food banks are here, they need support, they do a great job.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Do food banks have mashpoints?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"It's nothing to do with killing themselves. It's spending nearly a tenner on something which could buy a healthy meal. Stupid mentality"

I dont think addiction to something is that simple to cure sadly.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Do food banks have mashpoints?"

My local one is in the church so no they don't, I don't honestly think they would açcept cash

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"I forgot to add . I also buy feminine hygiene products.

Period Poverty is a real issue .

Women and young girls going with out these products .

Its an outrage that this is happening in Britain in 2019 .

"

That really warmed my heart. Thank you for thinking of them

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By *ugby 123Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

O o O oo


"

What do you think of food banks? Do you donate? Why?

"

I think it is a shame that they are needed as we seem to be going backward. Yes I donate often. I do it because I am fortunate that I don't need foodbanks.

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex


"When I had some time off i wandered into my local food bank for coffee and a biscuit, it must say something about the way i was dressed that they thought i was there to claim !!! I spent a couple of hours there and the stories the volunteers tell you are shocking, I don't live in a deprived area so was genuinely shocked by the whole setup, from that point till now I'm a supporter and that won't stop, I'm not interested in the political argument, food banks are here, they need support, they do a great job."

There is no way of dressing that signifies you're a foodbank user. The staff there know that and were saving you from feeling embarrassed at having to explain why you were there.

Kudos to you for going in and finding out first hand rather than making assumptions

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex


"Do food banks have mashpoints?"

I don't know. Off to google

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Do food banks have mashpoints?

I don't know. Off to google"

I'm guessing he meant cashpoints

Or else he was trying to be funny.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

A recent X Factor contestant who went a distance in the show and lives locally is throwing her weight behind my local one, she's a single mum who has used it in the past to feed her kids. Kudos to her for that

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By *gnitemybodyWoman
over a year ago

Onestepoutofthedoor

"Why have social services not taken the baby into care if the mother can't feed it"

Someone actually said that good God how heartless is that.

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex


"Do food banks have mashpoints?

I don't know. Off to google

I'm guessing he meant cashpoints

Or else he was trying to be funny."

There's a cartoon of a fat man standing at a mashpoint. The idea being that its a food bank that dispenses mash instead of cash but its also says quite a lot about attitudes to food banks and the misinformation that surrounds them. I might be wrong but maybe that's where he was trying to direct us.

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By *ugby 123Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

O o O oo


""Why have social services not taken the baby into care if the mother can't feed it"

Someone actually said that good God how heartless is that."

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Do food banks have mashpoints?

I don't know. Off to google

I'm guessing he meant cashpoints

Or else he was trying to be funny.

There's a cartoon of a fat man standing at a mashpoint. The idea being that its a food bank that dispenses mash instead of cash but its also says quite a lot about attitudes to food banks and the misinformation that surrounds them. I might be wrong but maybe that's where he was trying to direct us."

So it's an attempt at humour ??????

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex


"Do food banks have mashpoints?

I don't know. Off to google

I'm guessing he meant cashpoints

Or else he was trying to be funny.

There's a cartoon of a fat man standing at a mashpoint. The idea being that its a food bank that dispenses mash instead of cash but its also says quite a lot about attitudes to food banks and the misinformation that surrounds them. I might be wrong but maybe that's where he was trying to direct us.

So it's an attempt at humour ?????? "

I don't know what his intention was but I'm guessing it was yes. It is quite a funny play on words. Mashpoint dispensing mashed potato from a food bank

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"I agree they shouldn't be smoking but the rest is pretty sad

If I had to live some of their lives I would probably smoke too

You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view, until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it. (from 'To Kill A Mockingbird')."

Aint that the truth.

There, but for the grace of God, go I.

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By *ara JTV/TS
over a year ago

Bristol East

I was a bit anxious how this thread would develop, but it's restored my faith in the humanity and empathy of fabsters.

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"I was a bit anxious how this thread would develop, but it's restored my faith in the humanity and empathy of fabsters.

"

Same

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

We don’t donate to food banks, but once a week we make a massive cottage pie or lasagne or what ever ...

There’s half a dozen OAPs in our street two of which never have visitors. We reuse those plastic take away trays and pop in for a cuppa and take them a portion.

Some times it’s the little things .....

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Yes I donate. I think they’re needed. You usually have to be given a voucher to present to be given food. Often there’s a limit on the number of times you can use the food bank. I know ours will top up electric and gas for people too. It’s a crap position to be in and many won’t use them, as they’re too proud to. It’s not an easy option for people.

I’m frustrated by the amount of food waste we have as a country. We still aren’t great at reducing that or at least donating it to food banks.

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By *erfectlyPervertedCouple
over a year ago

Bristol

I'm a donor.

My Clubcard and Nectar shopping records must be in meltdown as I'm buying 10 litres of long life milk, 500 teabags, 6 litre bottles of shampoo, stampons & pads, sponge puddings, tinned rice and tinned custard as if they are going out of fashion.

I check the Trussell Trust website to check what is currently needed before shopping.

I think it's shameful that we need food banks in a country with the 5th largest economy in the world (2016).

The problem is those at the top of the pyramid are enriching themselves at a far greater rate than those at the bottom, with zero hours contracts and limited hours of employment conveniently hiding the truth of exactly how many people are really employed and earning a wage.

Then there is the pox that is Universal Credit.

Then legitimatized theft through income tax, NI and VAT, Council tax etc.; again the very rich are still able to minimise their contributions; they, probably, even find a way to wriggle out from having to pay VAT.

It's incredibly depressing, I feel like we're currently in the 1970s and heading backwards toward the Victorian era.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Really lovely to see lots of donors. A heart-warming thread for a change!

Bless you all who help X

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I qualify (I'm told) to use a food bank. I don't however as - there are folk who need it more than me (I ain't ever going without scran, nor is my little one). Plus (how I don't know) I manage my money so I can get what we need each week. Have to say that I don't agree that smokers should be using food banks, if they can afford £10 for each packet of cigs and choose to buy stuff that can kill them then they don't deserve to be drains on an already overstretched system

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By *ade and VanessaCouple
over a year ago

Central Scotland

I really think supermarkets should be donating more of what they take off the shelves as it's about to hit a best before date. Same with bakeries and dairies with produce too close to dates to go to shops.

I always try to pop in a carton of oat milk or other free from things. While coeliacs can get a lot of things on prescription, lots of children have milk and/or egg allergies and they're not left with many options at a food bank.

V x

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By *onnie And Clyde9070Couple
over a year ago

Leeds


"I forgot to add . I also buy feminine hygiene products.

Period Poverty is a real issue .

Women and young girls going with out these products .

Its an outrage that this is happening in Britain in 2019 .

That really warmed my heart. Thank you for thinking of them "

The whole situation is a downright disgrace!

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By *edangel_2013Woman
over a year ago

southend

I take service users to the local food bank quite a lot. I try not to use the Trussel Trust one, but use the local independent one if I can.

I was in there just before Christmas listening to a woman explain to her little girl why they had to move so far away from home and why they weren't allowed to see Daddy at the moment.

Turns out Daddy had been drinking and abusing mummy for years, and she'd just got the bollocks to leave.

I donate to the food bank a lot, including sanitary wear and nappies.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

The saddest and most annoying thing about it is, it's not always the unemployed that use the food banks there's a higher percentage of people that work use them... Mostly the zero hour contract workers or temporary workers.

And with this universal credit rubbish ... Expect it to get worse.

Where I live you never used to see homeless people then as soon universal credit came out ... Homeless people everywhere.

Newcastle is pretty bad ... Over Christmas there was a 40,000 increase in food bank users

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Only a shithouse gets free grub and puffs away on a fag in anticipation

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Oh wow what a fabulous thread. I am going to read this properly at a more convenient time. Thank you for sharing OP. Foodbanks are vital.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"The saddest and most annoying thing about it is, it's not always the unemployed that use the food banks there's a higher percentage of people that work use them... Mostly the zero hour contract workers or temporary workers.

And with this universal credit rubbish ... Expect it to get worse.

Where I live you never used to see homeless people then as soon universal credit came out ... Homeless people everywhere.

Newcastle is pretty bad ... Over Christmas there was a 40,000 increase in food bank users "
.

According to government figures 40% of the homeless in London are foreign born nationals, do you think that might have something to do with the swell in homeless numbers?.

It seems all I notice is the ever increasing numbers of homeless charitys and according to polls we give more money to homelessness than ever, more food banks, more charitys, more housing being built since the 70s, more charity money and yet more homelessness?.

I don't know what the answer is myself but I don't think it will be cured by the above, in fact it seems the opposite.

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By *loswingersCouple
over a year ago

Gloucester


"Only a shithouse gets free grub and puffs away on a fag in anticipation "

Well now I have to say that I see it differently .

We don’t know their history , how they ended up needing to use foodbanks , and at the end of the day it must be a shitty life when it comes down to it . So if they get a bit of pleasure from a cigarette , then that’s ok by me . I don’t doubt there aren’t many other enjoyable aspects to an existence that relies on handouts of free food .

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Only a shithouse gets free grub and puffs away on a fag in anticipation

Well now I have to say that I see it differently .

We don’t know their history , how they ended up needing to use foodbanks , and at the end of the day it must be a shitty life when it comes down to it . So if they get a bit of pleasure from a cigarette , then that’s ok by me . I don’t doubt there aren’t many other enjoyable aspects to an existence that relies on handouts of free food .

"
.

A packet of cigarettes costs 25 pence at retail.

Being a health professional I don't recommend smoking and if you do you should quit or at least take up vaping.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

My local food bank is anything and encourages every one to talk to each know they also offer a holiday provision during the holidays witch is fantastic especially in this economy because its flipping hard

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


""Why have social services not taken the baby into care if the mother can't feed it"

Someone actually said that good God how heartless is that."

Not taking them into care is fantastic it's not the mother's fault it's the stupid economy

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Many will blame it on the government etc but would they vote for tax increases? History has shown that the electorate will say they will but won't follow that through at the ballot box. Personal spending has massively increased over the past few decades with, such as mobile phones etc, becoming viewed as essential spending. At the same time increased life expectancy has hugely increased the costs of healthcare and social welfare. The reality is that there is only so much money to go around and it can't fund everything.

Food banks may be something relatively new but the principle of looking after each other isn't, this is just a more formal way of doing what has happened for decades. Perhaps it is time to stop worrying about the rights and wrongs and concentrate on the necessity of it.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Perhaps what is new is the need to be seen to publically wring our hands as opposed to getting on with helping each other out without writing a Facebook status about what we've done.

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By *hoenixAdAstraWoman
over a year ago

Hiding in the shadows

I donate weekly to our local food bank.

Once upon a time, I was one of those miserable looking people stood in a queue with 2 small kids in tow.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Many will blame it on the government etc but would they vote for tax increases? History has shown that the electorate will say they will but won't follow that through at the ballot box. Personal spending has massively increased over the past few decades with, such as mobile phones etc, becoming viewed as essential spending. At the same time increased life expectancy has hugely increased the costs of healthcare and social welfare. The reality is that there is only so much money to go around and it can't fund everything.

Food banks may be something relatively new but the principle of looking after each other isn't, this is just a more formal way of doing what has happened for decades. Perhaps it is time to stop worrying about the rights and wrongs and concentrate on the necessity of it."

I was not going to come back in here tonight, but god damn it Mike! It's 2am... way to early to read posts that make that much sense. You aint just a normal guy if you carry on posting like that!

Focusing on the necessity rather then the rights and wrongs...

Boooooom !! I repeat again foodbanks are vital.

#respect

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Many will blame it on the government etc but would they vote for tax increases? History has shown that the electorate will say they will but won't follow that through at the ballot box. Personal spending has massively increased over the past few decades with, such as mobile phones etc, becoming viewed as essential spending. At the same time increased life expectancy has hugely increased the costs of healthcare and social welfare. The reality is that there is only so much money to go around and it can't fund everything.

Food banks may be something relatively new but the principle of looking after each other isn't, this is just a more formal way of doing what has happened for decades. Perhaps it is time to stop worrying about the rights and wrongs and concentrate on the necessity of it.

I was not going to come back in here tonight, but god damn it Mike! It's 2am... way to early to read posts that make that much sense. You aint just a normal guy if you carry on posting like that!

Focusing on the necessity rather then the rights and wrongs...

Boooooom !! I repeat again foodbanks are vital.

#respect"

I appreciate your comments. For some the existence of food banks is purely political cannon fodder, for others it's a way of helping those having a tough time. Maybe some of those in the former category need to take a look at themselves and wonder whether they are doing the right thing.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I havent read all the comments, but something I’d like to throw in... years ago the Christmas no1 was Band Aid raising money for starving people in Africa, the last Christmas no1 Lad Baby, raising money for food banks to feed the hungry (yes I know theres a big difference between hungry and starving) here in this country... What the Hell went wrong?? We are supposed to be one of the best countries in the world to live in... so why so many homeless and hungry??

I dont give to food banks, am on minimum wage with no benefits and struggle so badly to keep a roof over my head, I do what I can with the homeless though x Its all so wrong

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Hi bad bunny i agree with ur thoughts . But have never given to food banks . In my opinion years of cutbacks in all services have caused this. The nation is uneducated = no free higher ed. Teachers without funds to do the job. Dole payments not inough to surviev . Not inough housing. Nhs run into ground . But yet we pay for irish gov milions for votes. We pay milions for an aircraf carier now on the sea with no planes for 4 years . And armed services rent back all the air and army base housing from landlords at 25 mil a year for burnt out shels. Weve wasted over 100 mil last yer .its time to look after the nation time for change

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Many will blame it on the government etc but would they vote for tax increases? History has shown that the electorate will say they will but won't follow that through at the ballot box. Personal spending has massively increased over the past few decades with, such as mobile phones etc, becoming viewed as essential spending. At the same time increased life expectancy has hugely increased the costs of healthcare and social welfare. The reality is that there is only so much money to go around and it can't fund everything.

Food banks may be something relatively new but the principle of looking after each other isn't, this is just a more formal way of doing what has happened for decades. Perhaps it is time to stop worrying about the rights and wrongs and concentrate on the necessity of it."

Enough said

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex


"Perhaps what is new is the need to be seen to publically wring our hands as opposed to getting on with helping each other out without writing a Facebook status about what we've done."

Nothing new about public hand wringing. However it isn't opposed to getting on and helping each other, it's along side it.

Is it wrong to say "yes I donate to x,y,z charity but wish there was no need for it" if asked?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

[Removed by poster at 15/01/19 09:46:00]

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Perhaps what is new is the need to be seen to publically wring our hands as opposed to getting on with helping each other out without writing a Facebook status about what we've done.

Nothing new about public hand wringing. However it isn't opposed to getting on and helping each other, it's along side it.

Is it wrong to say "yes I donate to x,y,z charity but wish there was no need for it" if asked?"

I'm not saying that it is wrong to tell everyone but it is possible that it is not so much the level of people in the community helping each other that has increased as the fact that it is done more publicly. I'm not making any assertions, just flagging up a possibility.

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex


"Perhaps what is new is the need to be seen to publically wring our hands as opposed to getting on with helping each other out without writing a Facebook status about what we've done.

Nothing new about public hand wringing. However it isn't opposed to getting on and helping each other, it's along side it.

Is it wrong to say "yes I donate to x,y,z charity but wish there was no need for it" if asked?

I'm not saying that it is wrong to tell everyone but it is possible that it is not so much the level of people in the community helping each other that has increased as the fact that it is done more publicly. I'm not making any assertions, just flagging up a possibility."

Your tone suggested that you did think its distasteful at least. We all know things about strangers that we previously didn't thanks to the net. Maybe community help has remained the same and we just know more about it. I'm an advocate of people helping each other rather than constant reliance on "the government" I think we've sleep walked into a situation where we have to be told by t.v. advert that giving your children too much sugar will make them fat but that's another story. However, we're in a situation now where people need help, it's being provided by the community but many of us would like to see change in the 21st century where fewer were in this situation. The only way that can be brought about in my opinion is by raised awareness.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Perhaps what is new is the need to be seen to publically wring our hands as opposed to getting on with helping each other out without writing a Facebook status about what we've done.

Nothing new about public hand wringing. However it isn't opposed to getting on and helping each other, it's along side it.

Is it wrong to say "yes I donate to x,y,z charity but wish there was no need for it" if asked?

I'm not saying that it is wrong to tell everyone but it is possible that it is not so much the level of people in the community helping each other that has increased as the fact that it is done more publicly. I'm not making any assertions, just flagging up a possibility.

Your tone suggested that you did think its distasteful at least. We all know things about strangers that we previously didn't thanks to the net. Maybe community help has remained the same and we just know more about it. I'm an advocate of people helping each other rather than constant reliance on "the government" I think we've sleep walked into a situation where we have to be told by t.v. advert that giving your children too much sugar will make them fat but that's another story. However, we're in a situation now where people need help, it's being provided by the community but many of us would like to see change in the 21st century where fewer were in this situation. The only way that can be brought about in my opinion is by raised awareness."

I think that there always has, and always will be, a need for local community assistance for some. Where once it may, for instance, have been provided on a less organised basis but such as church groups, now it is on a more formal basis such as food banks. I think it is the way that community works,to give those in need at a particular time some assistance.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"yes i donate regularly. maybe the goverment should stand and watch these people in the queues

I think that anyone who is appointed as a government make minister for health or works and pensions should be required to use the NHS only for themselves and their family for at least six months and during that time should live solely on the maximum benefit payment. Their genuine expenses for their ministerial duties could be claimed in the normal way "

Do you not think thst that will lead to the situation wr have now where only idiots apply for the job.

The fact the head of our government makes less than a headteacher explains a lot of the state of our politics.

Mps and ministers should be paid closer to a Ceo of a massive company (the uk being 2 orders of magnitude bigger than the worlds biggest companies) however with the stipulation that they and thier families cannot be directors of business or charities nor csn they hold any investments in business.

Cause as it is are we not surprised when we pay just 75k that these peoples priorities lie with the companies that pay them millions in benefits?

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex


"Perhaps what is new is the need to be seen to publically wring our hands as opposed to getting on with helping each other out without writing a Facebook status about what we've done.

Nothing new about public hand wringing. However it isn't opposed to getting on and helping each other, it's along side it.

Is it wrong to say "yes I donate to x,y,z charity but wish there was no need for it" if asked?

I'm not saying that it is wrong to tell everyone but it is possible that it is not so much the level of people in the community helping each other that has increased as the fact that it is done more publicly. I'm not making any assertions, just flagging up a possibility.

Your tone suggested that you did think its distasteful at least. We all know things about strangers that we previously didn't thanks to the net. Maybe community help has remained the same and we just know more about it. I'm an advocate of people helping each other rather than constant reliance on "the government" I think we've sleep walked into a situation where we have to be told by t.v. advert that giving your children too much sugar will make them fat but that's another story. However, we're in a situation now where people need help, it's being provided by the community but many of us would like to see change in the 21st century where fewer were in this situation. The only way that can be brought about in my opinion is by raised awareness.

I think that there always has, and always will be, a need for local community assistance for some. Where once it may, for instance, have been provided on a less organised basis but such as church groups, now it is on a more formal basis such as food banks. I think it is the way that community works,to give those in need at a particular time some assistance."

Yes, I agree.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

weren't food banks originally for homeless. Now most foodbanks limit 3 weeks to homeless.even with a voucher.kind of defeats the object..Many elderly rough sleepers been rough sleeping years.. ps.if your stood up(not layed in a doorway) in many councils statistics-your not added to homeless count..believe it or not!

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex


"yes i donate regularly. maybe the goverment should stand and watch these people in the queues

I think that anyone who is appointed as a government make minister for health or works and pensions should be required to use the NHS only for themselves and their family for at least six months and during that time should live solely on the maximum benefit payment. Their genuine expenses for their ministerial duties could be claimed in the normal way

Do you not think thst that will lead to the situation wr have now where only idiots apply for the job.

The fact the head of our government makes less than a headteacher explains a lot of the state of our politics.

Mps and ministers should be paid closer to a Ceo of a massive company (the uk being 2 orders of magnitude bigger than the worlds biggest companies) however with the stipulation that they and thier families cannot be directors of business or charities nor csn they hold any investments in business.

Cause as it is are we not surprised when we pay just 75k that these peoples priorities lie with the companies that pay them millions in benefits?"

I think it would give them a better understanding of how a certain section of our society lives. We currently have people representing us who seem to me to be out of touch with the people they want to vote for them and vice versa. I know it isn't possible for government ministers to live on benefits or indeed any member of government or parliament. It's not viable for them to live on minimum wage or to experience the day to day lives of many of us. I know that the basic way that society works is probably never going to change.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"yes i donate regularly. maybe the goverment should stand and watch these people in the queues

I think that anyone who is appointed as a government make minister for health or works and pensions should be required to use the NHS only for themselves and their family for at least six months and during that time should live solely on the maximum benefit payment. Their genuine expenses for their ministerial duties could be claimed in the normal way

Do you not think thst that will lead to the situation wr have now where only idiots apply for the job.

The fact the head of our government makes less than a headteacher explains a lot of the state of our politics.

Mps and ministers should be paid closer to a Ceo of a massive company (the uk being 2 orders of magnitude bigger than the worlds biggest companies) however with the stipulation that they and thier families cannot be directors of business or charities nor csn they hold any investments in business.

Cause as it is are we not surprised when we pay just 75k that these peoples priorities lie with the companies that pay them millions in benefits?"

Totally agree. Many complain that our MPs are paid too much but if we want the best then we have to pay for it. They are, after all, guiding the way the country operates and dealing with over £800bn of public spending. FTSE100 pay huge sums to their CEOs etc for a reason.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"yes i donate regularly. maybe the goverment should stand and watch these people in the queues

I think that anyone who is appointed as a government make minister for health or works and pensions should be required to use the NHS only for themselves and their family for at least six months and during that time should live solely on the maximum benefit payment. Their genuine expenses for their ministerial duties could be claimed in the normal way

Do you not think thst that will lead to the situation wr have now where only idiots apply for the job.

The fact the head of our government makes less than a headteacher explains a lot of the state of our politics.

Mps and ministers should be paid closer to a Ceo of a massive company (the uk being 2 orders of magnitude bigger than the worlds biggest companies) however with the stipulation that they and thier families cannot be directors of business or charities nor csn they hold any investments in business.

Cause as it is are we not surprised when we pay just 75k that these peoples priorities lie with the companies that pay them millions in benefits?

Totally agree. Many complain that our MPs are paid too much but if we want the best then we have to pay for it. They are, after all, guiding the way the country operates and dealing with over £800bn of public spending. FTSE100 pay huge sums to their CEOs etc for a reason."

When they first introduced duty inspectors to scotland to ensure correct taxes were paid by whiskey distilleries (they still have thier samples drawn to a doubble locked glass box to ensure they cant sneek any out) one of the key factors was that they be paid "a generous wage to avoid the temptation of birbery"

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By *ouple in LancashireCouple
over a year ago

in Lancashire


"yes i donate regularly. maybe the goverment should stand and watch these people in the queues

I think that anyone who is appointed as a government make minister for health or works and pensions should be required to use the NHS only for themselves and their family for at least six months and during that time should live solely on the maximum benefit payment. Their genuine expenses for their ministerial duties could be claimed in the normal way

Do you not think thst that will lead to the situation wr have now where only idiots apply for the job.

The fact the head of our government makes less than a headteacher explains a lot of the state of our politics.

Mps and ministers should be paid closer to a Ceo of a massive company (the uk being 2 orders of magnitude bigger than the worlds biggest companies) however with the stipulation that they and thier families cannot be directors of business or charities nor csn they hold any investments in business.

Cause as it is are we not surprised when we pay just 75k that these peoples priorities lie with the companies that pay them millions in benefits?"

Whilst agreeing that there should be distance between serving ministers, MP's on committees etc and the power of businesses am not entirely sure that the way to address the issues in society is setting the benchmark at the current levels of salary and benefits that some heads of companies and corporations receive..

The financial gap between those at the top of such things and what the workers are paid is only getting further apart..

Greater distance from the power of lobbying and transparency is also needed but turkeys usually don't vote etcetera..

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"yes i donate regularly. maybe the goverment should stand and watch these people in the queues

I think that anyone who is appointed as a government make minister for health or works and pensions should be required to use the NHS only for themselves and their family for at least six months and during that time should live solely on the maximum benefit payment. Their genuine expenses for their ministerial duties could be claimed in the normal way

Do you not think thst that will lead to the situation wr have now where only idiots apply for the job.

The fact the head of our government makes less than a headteacher explains a lot of the state of our politics.

Mps and ministers should be paid closer to a Ceo of a massive company (the uk being 2 orders of magnitude bigger than the worlds biggest companies) however with the stipulation that they and thier families cannot be directors of business or charities nor csn they hold any investments in business.

Cause as it is are we not surprised when we pay just 75k that these peoples priorities lie with the companies that pay them millions in benefits?

I think it would give them a better understanding of how a certain section of our society lives. We currently have people representing us who seem to me to be out of touch with the people they want to vote for them and vice versa. I know it isn't possible for government ministers to live on benefits or indeed any member of government or parliament. It's not viable for them to live on minimum wage or to experience the day to day lives of many of us. I know that the basic way that society works is probably never going to change."

These people dont vote...

Simple as that pensions get a quadruple lock because the majority of voters are old people.

With sub 60% turn out and almost no people in poverty or youngsters voting of course theyre ignored.

As you said they want votes, why cater to the demographics that just dont vote when the middle class and pensioners turn out every general election without fail?

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex

Plus ca change...

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Only a shithouse gets free grub and puffs away on a fag in anticipation

Well now I have to say that I see it differently .

We don’t know their history , how they ended up needing to use foodbanks , and at the end of the day it must be a shitty life when it comes down to it . So if they get a bit of pleasure from a cigarette , then that’s ok by me . I don’t doubt there aren’t many other enjoyable aspects to an existence that relies on handouts of free food .

.

A packet of cigarettes costs 25 pence at retail.

Being a health professional I don't recommend smoking and if you do you should quit or at least take up vaping."

Utterly useless piece of information stating the cost price of a pack of fags when actually the idiot in the Q has a tenner retail for fags yet nothing for food.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

They are nothing but a failing of society and a true reflection of our so called shower of shit government.

It must be wonderful having a salery of over 100000k plus expenses 0f 140000k plus.

And lets not forget 2nd,3rd directorships.

It takes a heartless cunt to approve food banks and a brainless cunt to agree.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"They are nothing but a failing of society and a true reflection of our so called shower of shit government.

It must be wonderful having a salery of over 100000k plus expenses 0f 140000k plus.

And lets not forget 2nd,3rd directorships.

It takes a heartless cunt to approve food banks and a brainless cunt to agree.

"

Because failing to help would be so much more useful!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Many will blame it on the government etc but would they vote for tax increases? History has shown that the electorate will say they will but won't follow that through at the ballot box. Personal spending has massively increased over the past few decades with, such as mobile phones etc, becoming viewed as essential spending. At the same time increased life expectancy has hugely increased the costs of healthcare and social welfare. The reality is that there is only so much money to go around and it can't fund everything.

Food banks may be something relatively new but the principle of looking after each other isn't, this is just a more formal way of doing what has happened for decades. Perhaps it is time to stop worrying about the rights and wrongs and concentrate on the necessity of it.

I was not going to come back in here tonight, but god damn it Mike! It's 2am... way to early to read posts that make that much sense. You aint just a normal guy if you carry on posting like that!

Focusing on the necessity rather then the rights and wrongs...

Boooooom !! I repeat again foodbanks are vital.

#respect

I appreciate your comments. For some the existence of food banks is purely political cannon fodder, for others it's a way of helping those having a tough time. Maybe some of those in the former category need to take a look at themselves and wonder whether they are doing the right thing."

I agree!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"I havent read all the comments, but something I’d like to throw in... years ago the Christmas no1 was Band Aid raising money for starving people in Africa, the last Christmas no1 Lad Baby, raising money for food banks to feed the hungry (yes I know theres a big difference between hungry and starving) here in this country... What the Hell went wrong?? We are supposed to be one of the best countries in the world to live in... so why so many homeless and hungry??

I dont give to food banks, am on minimum wage with no benefits and struggle so badly to keep a roof over my head, I do what I can with the homeless though x Its all so wrong "

Not read the whole thread yet, but we are still one of the best countries to live in. We have lost our way though! I come from a very poor background. My mum as a single parent raised me and my brother on the bare minimums. Literally survived with beans on toast so I know exactly how it feels like to struggle and will never forget that.

There has been a massive shift in this country over the years. Those that once were above average, honest, hard working people through no fault of their own now rely on foodbanks. There is a real struggle out there! Helping each other is the way forward. We all have to do what we can to help those going through tough times.

Otherwise we will be going down even faster then we are. Never give up and keep pushing to not only survive, but thrive! Years of struggling made me stronger and who I am today. Lucky to be in a much better position now. I will continue to do what I do and help as much as I can

Volunteering:

This is a great way to help. Just giving up a little of your spare time can make a huge difference.

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By *ugby 123Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

O o O oo


"

Utterly useless piece of information stating the cost price of a pack of fags when actually the idiot in the Q has a tenner retail for fags yet nothing for food.

"

Assuming he has bought a packet of fags, he may have been given it by someone

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"

Utterly useless piece of information stating the cost price of a pack of fags when actually the idiot in the Q has a tenner retail for fags yet nothing for food.

Assuming he has bought a packet of fags, he may have been given it by someone

"

Or bought them before they realised they were only getting 1p of Universal Credit that month instead of the usual ???.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"They are nothing but a failing of society and a true reflection of our so called shower of shit government.

It must be wonderful having a salery of over 100000k plus expenses 0f 140000k plus.

And lets not forget 2nd,3rd directorships.

It takes a heartless cunt to approve food banks and a brainless cunt to agree.

"

They are the Government's answer to a failed benefits system.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Watch a Film called I Daniel Blake.

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