Foodbanks...

[knowabit]

How do these work? I keep hearing on the news how they are being used by so many more people. How do you prove that you need to use the foodbank? How do they know that people are not just coming and taking food even though they can afford to go and buy food??

[CheekyChops]

People have to be referred and are given vouchers.

Care professionals such as doctors, health visitors, social workers, CAB and police identify people in crisis and issue them with a foodbank voucher.

[Dee Sa]

I think you have to be on benefits to qualify.

[Jeza]

I realise that benefits are not the best way to live. I don't understand why people need food banks. What are they spending their money on? Fags, Booze. Sky TV.

[rockyracoon]

It said on the news the other day that a lot of the people that need food banks are working!

[mccfluff]

not everyone who is on benefits or a low income are wasting money Jeza, some people are genuinely hard off and need help

the local food bank here requires you to prove you are claiming. the food isn't a hamper from fortnum and masons, its bog standard, usually own brand pasta, tins of soup, tea/coffee, cereals

[Jeza]

I didn't mean any disrespect. I thought you got tax credits and Council tax benefit if you were on a low income.

[mccfluff]

i don;t think you get council tax benefit if you are working but i could be wrong, i thought you only got is discounted for single occupancy and if you are in receipt of housing benefit

as for working tax credits you have to be earning below a set amount, it is possible to be above that amount but all your earnings going out on mortgage and bills. my neighbour was in a horrible situation at one point - working but over the tax credit limit, she had a 100% mortgage and the repayment on it was something like £700 a month, when she had paid that plus her other bills she was left with £20 a week to live on