Foodbank Use At Record High

[fiction-factory]

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/food-banks-parcels-poverty-trussell-trust-record-a9200471.html
I find this confusing. Some see it as evidence that the government policies are driving lots more people into poverty. But isn't this also a sign that more food is being being donated - so it's a form of redistribution of wealth. If donations haven't increased then presumably when demand was lower food there was a surplus of food in foodbanks or they gave out bigger portions. Demand will equal supply won't it? As more is donated and more are aware then more people will be served. Or are we serving more people as demand grows but giving smaller portions so foodbank users are still going hungry?

[pastafreak]

Lol!!!

[GymLadTim]

Thanks Pasta yes that was me and I'm sorry about that it was very disrespectful.

[GymLadTim]

I just find a lot of older people to have very hateful and intolerant views towards people who are different and that upsets me because I'm one of those people who is different but it was wrong of me to attack all older people.

[pastafreak]

Well Tim, I'm an older person who has always made an effort to accept, understand, and be tolerant. It's the only way to live x

[naomi24]

If it's available it will be taken advantage of .... and yes, I do have extensive experience of working with charities.

[Theland]

Naomi - I find your comments snobbish and selfish.

[Theland]

What charities Naomi? The church roof fund?

[naomi24]

Fine by me, Theland. You clearly haven't been on the other end.

[naomi24]

No, Theland .... household names.

[ummmm]

How can food banks be taken advantage of if a referral is needed?

[Theland]

Newspaper headlines - Sir Alan Sugars No2 tell nurses to work harder and take a second job.
Bey he's never broken a sweat in his life.
If it wasn't for idiot Corbyn, I would be voting for the many not the few.
Some nurses have to use food banks, but as Naomi says, if it's there, advantage will be taken of it. (sic)

[maggiebee]

Exactly ummmm, you can't just walk in off the street. I know a single mum who works two jobs and still has to use a foodbank to help feed her three children. So judgemental on this site without knowing any of the facts.

[Theland]

Maggie - Some of the opinions on here are beneath contempt.

[albaqwerty]

''so judgmental on this site''
not just this site it would seem, Maggie.

I've just read a load of guff that those who use foodbanks are abusing the system because they have mobile phones and the internet and they smoke 100 fags a day and they drink alcohol all day and have no money left from their benefits to buy food.

One comment did cheer me up tho, if the foodbank is open to abuse and amid claims for foodbanks to be discontinued, can the tax system also be discontinued?

I still haven't read about how it's being abused unless those giving referrals should make sure that those ''claiming'' have no carpets or fridges etc...

[Mamyalynne]

I remember that thread from Alba five years ago and there was not one negative response thankfully.

I also know 2 people who have had occasion to use a food bank and the unnecessary shame they felt was palpable.

[Theland]

My disabled second youngest son had to use the food bank. Wouldn't tell us because of pride.
Went back home with three days worth of spaghetti, beans and porridge etc, and sat in a cold flat with not gas to cook.
We took over his welfare, and thank God, we can help when he needs it. Now getting a bit of work and with our help getting by.
But as Naomi says, people do take advantage :-/

[Mozz71]

I'm staggered. Truly staggered. 3T's opening comment here is one of the most outlandish, conceited, privileged statements I've ever seen. He truly is a stereotypical Tory snob.

[Mamyalynne]

It didn't stagger me, that's his default - sad isn't it?

[albaqwerty]

He allegedly works in a bank, Mozz

[ummmm]

Albs - you can say it until you're blue in the face, people like TTT won't listen!

I've never used a food bank but I have gone without food. I didn't blow my money on fags and booze, I paid my mortgage and bills and made sure the kids were fed. A change in circumstances can have an instant and devastating effect.

Yes I had TV's and internet etc...but that was already paid for by DD. You don't wake up one day and cancel all your luxuries (which aren't really luxuries, you wouldn't get far without the internet nowadays) sell your TV's and games consoles and abandon your mobile phone, that you probably bought when you could afford it.

It makes me so angry when people are so dismissive when they have no idea of the history WHY?