Do People Have To Show Proof They Are In Need?

[Barsel]

Just been reading about some shops that are popping up around Greater Manchester where you can get a full food shop for £3 and it's £5 a year to join. I was thinking of donating some food myself, but do the people who shop there have to show proof they are poor or can anyone just join? Some of the comments left are quite cruel, accusing parents of spending money on cigarettes and drink possibly drugs and I would be unsure about donating if I thought that anyone could join.

[Peter Pedant]

give to a charity you have confidence in
and think of Gift Aid

we regularly gave to a street urchin whom we later much later saw getting into her car. I did wonder about the teeth

[Barsel]

PP There are photos of people walking to the shop and being inside the shop. They all look pretty well dressed to me.

[ummmm]

You wouldn't help to feed the children of an addict? Do you not think those children have it harder than most already?

[Buenchico]

The Christian charity Message is behind the venture
https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/shopping/community-grocery-salford-wigan-bolton-19654980
which is basically an expansion of the food bank principle. However, unlike food banks (where users normally need to have been referred by a relevant body), the Community Grocery stores seem to be prepared to take people on trust: https://communitygrocery.org.uk

[ummmm]

Barsel - there is a pandemic. People have lost their jobs. Are they suppose to get rid of their clothes as well? This is head shaking stuff.

[Peter Pedant]

we have drug addicts oppo us
and yes it takes a lot of watching and locking yourself in the house
and virtually everything goes on drugs ....

[sherrardk]

Just because you’re suddenly/temporarily on your uppers doesn’t mean that your wardrobe transforms into a mini branch of sports direct and you take up smoking roll ups. What it does mean is that you still have to feed your family and try and keep your head up.

[Buenchico]

If they're the photos in my first link above, I note that they were provided by the charity running the shop, rather than being taken by a press photographer.

As such, it's likely that they were actually posed by a charity member and her kids, in order not to show any actual users of the service.

[Mamyalynne]

What a splendid idea, that will help so many.

[Barsel]

Thanks Chris, I understand the situation now you've explained it to me.

[TonyV]

Not what I've seen recently, but when I lived and worked in London
Saw a "beggar" with dirty bandaged foot with crutch, when he had finished for the day, got up put his crutch under his arm and walked home.
Also a guy that sat in the same place every day enjoying his pret a monge

Don't get me wrong, I know there are people living rough, just surprises me how many refuse a sandwich and a cup of tea, which I would gladly buy.

[Barsel]

TonyV I think it's a great idea if a charity can help to feed poor people., and if I could help someone out that way, then I will. Whenever my daughter goes into Manchester, she always pops into a shop to buy sandwiches to give to the homeless. They sometimes ask for money, but she won't do that in case they are going to use it for drugs. I wouldn't be happy if I thought the people who use the charity food shops are buying drugs etc with their money and then not having money to buy food for themselves or their children, but I don't know what the answer to that would be.

[Togo]

Build it. They'll come.

https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/13751093/taxi-driver-shaming-passenger-for-10-cab-ride/

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/mar/25/big-business-food-banks-subsidise-reputation

[TonyV]

Barsel your daughters opinion is the same as mine, money likely to go on booze or drugs, I used to buy the Big Issue from one guy in Leicester, but noticed that as soon as he had sold enough, he was of to buy a can of booze.

[sherrardk]

Got to be honest, if I was genuinely homeless I’d probably want to spend the majority of my time drunk or stoned.

[TonyV]

sherrardk you would stand no chance of getting into a hostel for the night then.

[ummmm]

Tony - to sell the Big Issue you need to buy them so they can't spend all their money on drink and drugs.

[TonyV]

Yes ummmm, it what happens to the profits they make, in the past I have "subbed" sellers so they could buy the magazines, always got my money back.
Founder had a brilliant idea and it's still working.
I guess I'm talking about a minority?

[Mamyalynne]

In answer to your question Barsel, I presume they'd only need to show proof of membership.

[jennyjoan]

well the Romanians used to sell the Big Issue but I have went on to buy one or try to buy one lately but they don't sell them any more - just shake the can.

however if I ever be in town which is hardly I do give to the homeless themselves - if they want to buy drink or drugs - that's ok cos once the money leaves my hand it's there's to buy whatever they want.