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Old 23-12-2016, 23:35
Brandy211
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When you go to a food bank, can you pick the food yourself or do you have to take what they sort out for you ?
How often can you use a food bank.
In cost terms, how much is the food that you receive from a food bank ?
I realise that the requirements for people with children are different than for those without, so I am thinking of husband and wife having to use a food bank.
The food would be pre packed into boxes, but I expect they would discuss with you if you had any special diet such as allergies.

Most people wouldn't need to use a food bank more than once a year, as a voucher is valid for 3 weeks and intended to cover emergency food to tide you over, while in a crisis. A crisis might be, such as not receiving a benefit payment, or having received a large bill, leaving not enough funds left to buy food at that time.

The cost terms would vary from parcel to parcel depending whats actually in your parcel.
The parcel could be full of premium brands or full of smartprice tins. That would depend, of course on what has been donated & who packed that particular box.

You could expect to receive: Pasta, soups, rice, tea/coffee, beans, tin fruit & veg, tinned meat, biscuits & a box of cereal.
Some food banks don't need a referral, but most do.
Some food banks would also offer other products in addition to food, such as sanitary towels, soap etc.
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Old 23-12-2016, 23:40
Paul237
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I donated to a food bank through work recently and they said they were going to make parcels up for people, so I assume they were going to get what they were given.
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Old 24-12-2016, 00:29
Jewels501
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The food would be pre packed into boxes, but I expect they would discuss with you if you had any special diet such as allergies.

Most people wouldn't need to use a food bank more than once a year, as a voucher is valid for 3 weeks and intended to cover emergency food to tide you over, while in a crisis. A crisis might be, such as not receiving a benefit payment, or having received a large bill, leaving not enough funds left to buy food at that time.

The cost terms would vary from parcel to parcel depending whats actually in your parcel.
The parcel could be full of premium brands or full of smartprice tins. That would depend, of course on what has been donated & who packed that particular box.

You could expect to receive: Pasta, soups, rice, tea/coffee, beans, tin fruit & veg, tinned meat, biscuits & a box of cereal.
Some food banks don't need a referral, but most do.
Some food banks would also offer other products in addition to food, such as sanitary towels, soap etc.
I think it varies from place to place. I know someone who relies on her food bank- she goes weekly every Wednesday. She is 'lucky' because she lives in a predominantly affluent area so often gets Waitrose food.

I am extremely uncomfortable with her particular situation because I know that she prioritises her money in a way that most wouldn't hence her needing to use a food bank. I feel uncomfortable because I know of many who have no choice. She has been able to persuade her GP of the need of her family and thus is able to get food weekly.

Of course as Jason says, it is actually astounding and shameful that this country actually has people who rely on food banks to survive but that is a different debate that frankly I don't even have the energy for right now.
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Old 24-12-2016, 01:01
Brandy211
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I think it varies from place to place. I know someone who relies on her food bank- she goes weekly every Wednesday. She is 'lucky' because she lives in a predominantly affluent area so often gets Waitrose food.

I am extremely uncomfortable with her particular situation because I know that she prioritises her money in a way that most wouldn't hence her needing to use a food bank. I feel uncomfortable because I know of many who have no choice. She has been able to persuade her GP of the need of her family and thus is able to get food weekly.

Of course as Jason says, it is actually astounding and shameful that this country actually has people who rely on food banks to survive but that is a different debate that frankly I don't even have the energy for right now.
I agree with you.

I think that food banks should be there as an emergency such as those waiting to be assessed for benefit payment or non payment received that particular week. Or a large winter fuel bill that would mean being disconnected, if not paid.
The larger ones such as the Trussel Trust are for emergency use and by voucher.

I remember about 20 years ago, our local Salvation Army had a large lorry outside the building every Friday.
People in genuine need such as pensioners & low income families, could go and receive donated foods from M&S, what the local bakeries had over that day etc. It was very popular.

There aren't such places now.
I also rarely hear of harvest festivals where they took the foods donated to those in need.

I have noticed that there are many food banks that help only refugees or asylum seekers.
All the other food banks & churches help them too.
I thought they received payments from social services in the form of supermarket vouchers? Well, that's what used to happen anyway.
I,m not saying that they shouldn't receive help, but I am saying that there seem to be far more places where they can go for help...

Stories & programmes that show people selling food bank foods, I take with a pinch of salt as I don't think they should be stopped because one I every so many hundred/thousand might seem ungrateful or seem to be abusing that help.
Its due to these stories & programmes about so called scroungers, that would prevent those in genuine need from seeking help.


Maybe food banks should be run only by the larger organisations who require a voucher in a crisis? They then advise them & help them to overcome that crisis, rather than give them regular donations.

Maybe the smaller places encourage abuse if they dish out food without referrals on a regular basis, how is that encouraging anyone to budget? Why would they buy food if its available free down the road?
They may also discourage people from donating.

We shouldn't need food banks at all. But how many can honestly say they could pay gas, electricity, tv licence, water rates, clothes, food and furniture, travel fares to seek work...On £75 per week jobseekers? Those that receive that, HAVE to manage & receive no help from a food bank UNLESS they didn't receive a payment.
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Old 24-12-2016, 02:13
Soomacdoo
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I was talking to someone recently who volunteers at our local one. The food bank operates on a voucher referral system. Vouchers can be given out by the Benefits/Gov agencies. If you are a family of 4 then it will say that on your voucher and you will be given enough food to feed 4 people for 3 days, along with toiletries and sanitary items if needed. I believe they only have dried goods and not fresh. And you only get 3 goes at the food bank, it is not a weekly free shop around here.
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Old 24-12-2016, 02:53
Jo09
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If you're a veggie, gluten intolerance or have religious restrictions they can often adjust the pack but you don't get to choose.

Foodbanks are meant as emergency not regular food top ups and sign posting to sort out their situation - at least most are.
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Old 24-12-2016, 03:33
Jewels501
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If you're a veggie, gluten intolerance or have religious restrictions they can often adjust the pack but you don't get to choose.

Foodbanks are meant as emergency not regular food top ups and sign posting to sort out their situation - at least most are.
I completely agree and I am in a difficult situation with my friend. I feel that she views her 'need' for the food bank as some sort of pride - along with her long held shopping for clothes at charity shops.

I view it as misplaced and typical middle-class arrogance. She seemingly identifies with those without when it is her skewed priorities that put her in the position where she 'requires' weekly food bank input.

She is articulate and thus is able to persuade her GP to provide her with weekly vouchers.

To the OP, I think that your location will be a big factor in determining what is in your pack. TBH, I feel depressed to be posting on a thread like this in the 21st century in the UK. I was reading about where some of the aid money goes...again, this isn't the place to discuss that but honestly I despair.

All the best to the OP and others in his situation. There but for the grace of God...
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Old 24-12-2016, 03:41
fizzycat
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. I feel that she views her 'need' for the food bank as some sort of pride - along with her long held shopping for clothes at charity shops.

I view it as misplaced and typical middle-class arrogance. She seemingly identifies with those without when it is her skewed priorities that put her in the position where she 'requires' weekly food bank input.
Please could you explain how shopping in charity shops is arrogant?
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Old 24-12-2016, 03:57
SULLA
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I'd level exactly the same "question" at you. But, if your comprehension is that limited then please take what i said exactly at face value because i'm not going to drag this thread off topic spelling something out to you.
I recommend that in future you just say what you mean

While we have people in need we have to rely on food banks.
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Old 24-12-2016, 04:14
Jewels501
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Please could you explain how shopping in charity shops is arrogant?
It's not shopping in charity shops that is arrogant. I am sorry if I implied that. I meant that my friend seems to view things such as shopping in charity shops and being 'forced' to resort to food banks as some sort of badge of pride when in fact, particularly in reference to food banks, it is her life style choices which mean that she now needs to use food banks.

I was merely trying to show that the content and frequency of use of food banks varies. I was speaking about a particular person who I feel likes to identify with those in genuine need for reasons best known to herself. I was not casting aspersions on charity shops but merely using her use of them and her constant reference to this, as a sign of deeper issues in her psyche which I don't understand.

My point was that she chooses to spend money on things which are not a necessity and then revels in tales of her adventures in charity shops and food banks i.e suggesting that she is impoverished when she isn't.

The main point in response to the OP was that the content and availability of resources from food banks seems to vary. Some seem to be available strictly in what is viewed as an emergency. My friend is an example of someone who seems to have made a lifestyle choice regarding this.

I am well aware of the genuine need of the majority of people who use food banks and apologise if my anecdotal tale regarding my friend gave the impression that I take this situation lightly because I don't.
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Old 24-12-2016, 04:30
Jewels501
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When you go to a food bank, can you pick the food yourself or do you have to take what they sort out for you ?
How often can you use a food bank.
In cost terms, how much is the food that you receive from a food bank ?
I realise that the requirements for people with children are different than for those without, so I am thinking of husband and wife having to use a food bank.
Hi Andy, I just 're-read your post. My friend is receiving food from a food bank on a weekly basis. Initially, she was only given a one-off voucher for herself and her two children (I think that this was from/related to her receipt of ESA). She then spoke to her GP and now apparently receives weekly vouchers for her and the children. I do not know the precise contents of each package but she does not choose what she gets other than that the family are vegetarian so they accommodate that.

I know that you said that you do not have children but from what I gather, the packages are fairly generic. My friend has received children's toothbrushes but other than that it appears to be mainly general food stuff.
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Old 24-12-2016, 07:27
LostFool
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You get 3 days worth based on the size of your family. They give out what has been donated, so you can't ask for lobster.
If you really want to help a food bank then you should donate cash rather than food. It's then easier for to source a good variety of food from wholesalers than to have to spend the time sorting through out of date packets and random tins.

An interesting article from Canada: http://vancouversun.com/storyline/fo...-the-food-bank

Of course it would be better if in an ideal work that these food banks didn't need to exist but the simple truth is that they are needed so criticising people who run them doesn't help. The terms "food bank" may be relatively new but giving food to the poor and needy through charities and churches has been going on for centuries.

Food banks also provide other services such a help with budgeting, debt management and basic cookery skills. It's not use giving someone a bag of rice and some vegetables if they don't know what to do with them. A lot of people end up in food poverty as they don't know how to feed themselves well on a budget.
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Old 24-12-2016, 07:37
annette kurten
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round this way there used also to be a by referral cheap not for profit shop where people could go and buy [commercially donated] broken packets, near end of date products and dented tins etc.

they had a wide and random range and people could get enough food to feed a family of six for a fortnight for about 20 quid.

i don`t know if that`s still going but there should be more of it.
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Old 24-12-2016, 07:37
LakieLady
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I often make food bank referrals in the course of my work, and the organisation I work for also collects stuff for distribution to them and raises money for them.

While they vary slightly, all bar one will only give 3 food parcels in a fortnight and they all require referral from an external agency. Some go much further, helping clients with budgetting, referral for help with benefits and so on. They mostly tailor the package to the size of the family, will include baby food where necessary, and basic toiletries, nappies, sanitary protection etc if required.

In the run up to Christmas, people at work were donating seasonal stuff like biscuits, chocolates etc as well as the routine basics. The food banks prepared little packs of Christmas goodies that were given out last week, which I thought was really nice.

Use of food banks has gone up massively here since the introduction of sanctions and abolition of crisis loans.
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Old 24-12-2016, 07:43
annette kurten
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I often make food bank referrals in the course of my work, and the organisation I work for also collects stuff for distribution to them and raises money for them.

While they vary slightly, all bar one will only give 3 food parcels in a fortnight and they all require referral from an external agency. Some go much further, helping clients with budgetting, referral for help with benefits and so on. They mostly tailor the package to the size of the family, will include baby food where necessary, and basic toiletries, nappies, sanitary protection etc if required.

In the run up to Christmas, people at work were donating seasonal stuff like biscuits, chocolates etc as well as the routine basics. The food banks prepared little packs of Christmas goodies that were given out last week, which I thought was really nice.

Use of food banks has gone up massively here since the introduction of sanctions and abolition of crisis loans.
i always chuck a need and a treat in on the way past, the treats are really appreciated by recipients.

toiletries and "ladies" [she mouthed] stuff are often under donated.
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Old 24-12-2016, 07:50
Jewels501
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If you really want to help a food bank then you should donate cash rather than food. It's then easier for to source a good variety of food from wholesalers than to have to spend the time sorting through out of date packets and random tins.

An interesting article from Canada: http://vancouversun.com/storyline/fo...-the-food-bank

Of course it would be better if in an ideal work that these food banks didn't need to exist but the simple truth is that they are needed so criticising people who run them doesn't help. The terms "food bank" may be relatively new but giving food to the poor and needy through charities and churches has been going on for centuries.
This seems like a really good idea to me i.e. donating cash instead of tons of food that are going spare. I suppose, (I am thinking as I write) that the benefit of donating things going spare from your cupboards is that subconsciously it seems easier. Donating cash can seem more of an 'obligation' rather than free-spirited, spur of the moment thing.... I am speaking here of my own feelings.

That said, I know that I have food in tins in my cupboards that I won't use so could easily give away. Cash, for me, is more noticeable though (even though the financial impact is theoretically the same).

As you say, LostFool it is truly sad that this sort of thread even exists.
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Old 24-12-2016, 07:52
CappySpectrum
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If you really want to help a food bank then you should donate cash rather than food. It's then easier for to source a good variety of food from wholesalers than to have to spend the time sorting through out of date packets and random tins.

An interesting article from Canada: http://vancouversun.com/storyline/fo...-the-food-bank

Of course it would be better if in an ideal work that these food banks didn't need to exist but the simple truth is that they are needed so criticising people who run them doesn't help. The terms "food bank" may be relatively new but giving food to the poor and needy through charities and churches has been going on for centuries.
Yeah but I do not ever recall the phrase being used and rising since 2012... and I think it is going to get a lot worse with the amount of young people becoming homeless. As that is rising as well for many ages.

After all I'm hearing people haven't had a wage rise since 1999. While the politicians have taken a wage rise of £12,000 over the past year. I think they're up to £74,000 a year or so, not including perks and expenses.
The basic annual salary for an MP from 1 April 2016 is £74,962. MPs also receive expenses to cover the costs of running an office, employing staff, having somewhere to live in London and in their constituency, and travelling between Parliament and their constituency.
I heard them talking about this on Sky News the other day.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news...itains-9503124
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Old 24-12-2016, 07:54
Jewels501
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i always chuck a need and a treat in on the way past, the treats are really appreciated by recipients.

toiletries and "ladies" [she mouthed] stuff are often under donated.
My aforementioned friend, told me how excited her 6 & 8 year olds were to see new tooth brushes in a recent pack.
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Old 24-12-2016, 07:59
Gordon g
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I read a comment a while back that said food banks don't belong in 21st century britain and i wholeheartedly agree. Thanks tories.
I wasn't aware the Tories were in power in 2008. You learn something new every day.
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Old 24-12-2016, 08:00
annette kurten
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My aforementioned friend, told me how excited her 6 & 8 year olds were to see new tooth brushes in a recent pack.
a couple of my grandkids were same when they got them in a food bank when they were hit by the concentrix scandal [i gather some families are STILL waiting on that], i bloody love how children are chuffed with the most simple of surprises.
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Old 24-12-2016, 08:27
molliepops
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If you really want to help a food bank then you should donate cash rather than food. It's then easier for to source a good variety of food from wholesalers than to have to spend the time sorting through out of date packets and random tins.

An interesting article from Canada: http://vancouversun.com/storyline/fo...-the-food-bank

Of course it would be better if in an ideal work that these food banks didn't need to exist but the simple truth is that they are needed so criticising people who run them doesn't help. The terms "food bank" may be relatively new but giving food to the poor and needy throughout charities and churches has been going on for centuries.

Food banks also provide other services such a help with budgeting, debt management and basic cookery skills. It's not use giving someone a bag of rice and some vegetables if they don't know what to do with them. A lot of people end up in food poverty as they don't know how to feed themselves well on a budget.
It may be better to give cash but when I put out a box at work asking for donations even the meanest person will bring in a can or two, if I asked for cash I doubt I'd get half as much especially as it's a monthly collection.
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Old 24-12-2016, 08:32
Jewels501
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a couple of my grandkids were same when they got them in a food bank when they were hit by the concentrix scandal [i gather some families are STILL waiting on that], i bloody love how children are chuffed with the most simple of surprises.
Isn't it sad though Annette, that they should be so surprised? I come from a very poor background and country originally. I would never have imagined that so many people would be in such dire straits in this country.

I don't have any answers but it is really sobering when we consider that this is the reality for so many people.
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Old 24-12-2016, 08:33
Jewels501
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It may be better to give cash but when I put out a box at work asking for donations even the meanest person will bring in a can or two, if I asked for cash I doubt I'd get half as much especially as it's a monthly collection.
Yeah, like I said, it is a mental block for many of us.
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Old 24-12-2016, 08:45
annette kurten
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Isn't it sad though Annette, that they should be so surprised? I come from a very poor background and country originally. I would never have imagined that so many people would be in such dire straits in this country.

I don't have any answers but it is really sobering when we consider that this is the reality for so many people.
i have to say that my grandchildren get excited over duvet covers, socks and all sorts of weird shit, i think it`s the pure joy of someone giving them a gift.

re your last point it`s horrible.
Yeah, like I said, it is a mental block for many of us.
i think also people like to feel that they are giving something directly and personally to someone who needs it now if you know what i mean.
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Old 24-12-2016, 09:45
Paul237
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My aforementioned friend, told me how excited her 6 & 8 year olds were to see new tooth brushes in a recent pack.
I was given a list of items my local food bank wanted and I saw toothbrushes on there. I tried to pick a bit of variety off the list, though I was conscious they probably get a lot of some things and not a lot of others!

I didn't get any 'treats' though because, while they're nice, I thought it'd better to get staple foods that can be used to make a main meal.
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