Why Are Some Forced To Depend On Food Handouts In 'benefit Britain'?

[anotheoldgit]

On my visit to a supermarket today I saw shopping trolleys with notices on them asking for donations of items of food for the hungry of this country.

I cannot believe that in 2013 Britain there are people who have to depend on food handouts, especially when this country is supposed to be one of the richest in the world and taking into account the £billions we hand out freely to the rest of the world.

This is yet another time that I can say that I can never remember the time, even during the war, and pre Welfare State days, when I ever remember our local CO-OP appealing for persons to make donations of food for the hungry.

[Sqad]

bednobs.......good point.......very good point...;-)

[B00]

Yeah, take on board the fresh produce going off train of thought, didn't think that one through!

[anotheoldgit]

Octavius

/// What an odious remark. ///

Met with an odious remark from you.

Once again read my post, I said "some children", and you have no more proof that doesn't happen, as you expect me to automatically know what happens in "YOUR" village.

[anotheoldgit]

ummmm

/// In 'your' day and Sqads day, rents were cheap in comparison. Stop knocking people that can't afford to pay extortionate rents, ///

Don't most get help with their house rents, more than they did years ago.

[Octavius]

Yes you said "mainly because their parents can't get up early enough to give their children any [breakfast]"

You have evidence for this of course?

[B00]

Even the dodgiest of parents round here give their children breakfast. True, it might be a sausage roll from Greggs on the way to school (yep, ive seen it) but least it's something.

[anotheoldgit]

Yeh take notice when supermarkets have some reduced priced items in a basket, just see people are like gannets around the basket.

Can one imagine if it said "FREE ITEMS".

[Sqad]

ummmm.....let me give you an example of rent in "sqad's" day.

Months pay £32.
Rent £25 per month.
OK food provided by the hospital and virtually no time off to spend the £7 over.
This lasted for 6 months and then a pay rise to £32/month.
Then 18 months at £40/month.

OK, cost of living was lower........but the "cheap rent" that you mention was relative.....

[boingo]

As much as I dislike how our 'government' are paying out money left, right and centre to benefit-grabbing people (of all cultures), there are people like me who really are 'feeling the pinch'. Thanks to a now ex-husband, the father of my 2 children, who wiped me out mentally, emotionally and financially, I had to 'beg' for help from the local council. Despite paying huge amounts of tax and N.I. all my working life, they were not interested. It took 4 years before I got any help. It's the benefit cheats who not only give genuine people a bad name, but also 'use' money that should be used elsewhere. Sorry, rant over.

[boingo]

Sorry, should have added that even if I did smoke and drink, which I don't, whatever money I have, I make sure my children are fed. Not an easy task at the moment.

[anotheoldgit]

/// I make sure my children are fed. Not an easy task at the moment. ///

Good for you boingo, I only hope that things get better for you.

[Barmaid]

I just offered our local food bank 1 1/2 dozen eggs a week. They can't take them.........

[albaqwerty]

I have gone without food on occasion to make sure my kiddies have been fed.
I'm sure I heard on the news this morning that the majority of p eople who
go the the food bank are working people.

Says a lot about the working wage and even more about benefits which are paid.

Welcome to the UK 2013.

[anotheoldgit]

Barmaid

/// I just offered our local food bank 1 1/2 dozen eggs a week. They can't take them......... ///

How Eggstraordinary :0)

[B00]

What a lovely kind offer BM, what a pity, is it because of the short shelf life of them?

Still ,you'd think if there was so many people needing them as AOG's link seems to imply they'd go pretty quickly wouldn't you?

[divegirl]

''I wonder how many of these people going to food banks have still got their mobile phone, or Sky TV ! ''

This always amuses me.

Have you ever tried to get out of a contract with these people? Many phone contracts last for 24 months now and once you have signed up there is no going back as many questions and answers on this site will show.
So you lose your job or have a change of circumstances... would you suggest they default on their contracts thus gaining fines and maybe a criminal record? I'm sure that will help people get a new job.

[anotheoldgit]

albaqwerty

/// I'm sure I heard on the news this morning that the majority of people who go the the food bank are working people.///

/// Says a lot about the working wage and even more about benefits which are paid. ///

Not necessarily, see my 15.18 post: "Can one imagine if it said "FREE ITEMS"?

[smurfchops]

Benefits should be enough for a weeks food. Mums should be taught to cook. Claimants should be made to show where their benefits go. Perhaps after the mobile phones, plasma screens, sky tv, ciggies, there isn't enough left to feed their children, even from McDonald's.

[B00]

The problem there Lisa is that once again people expect the best.

Again, for example, that TV programme Skint. There was a couple who'd ordered a new TV from Brighthouse, putting themselves in hock for a good few years for over 2grand for a all singing all dancing 50odd screen 3d telly.

Perosnally id rather gave a £20.00 second hand telly and not have that debt hanging over me.

[albaqwerty]

if it said 'FREE ITEMS' then those earning at least £20k would be there too.
Probably elbowing those who could do with the food out of the way.
Those that have look down their noses on those who have not.

Great compassion.
Not.