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.

[divegirl]

Oh I agree totally Boo, but it is not always as clear cut as that. I need high speed broadband for my work and there have been times when I have had barely anyone coming in. I would have loved to be able to stop paying the £50 a month I pay but a) couldn't get out of the contract and b) needed it just in case.

Lisa x

[albaqwerty]

ooh, benefits should be enough for a weeks food?
Really! Well, some of us have to pay TV licence and rent from our benefit.
Unless you're in it, just don't blooming comment!!

Rant over.

[divegirl]

And gas, electricity, water.....

[anotheoldgit]

albaqwerty

/// if it said 'FREE ITEMS' then those earning at least £20k would be there
too. ///

The reference to "FREE ITEMS" was the comparison to the "REDUCED ITEMS" in a supermarket, and not to the "FREE FOOD PARCELS" although they are not labelled "FREE" in the charity food banks, they are still free so would attract even those who don't necessarily need them, not just those who do.

[pastafreak]

In my city,there is a nightly soup kitchen-run by a group of churches-in the city centre...with several smaller operations in outlying areas. There is also a nationally run food bank.the Trussel Trust I believe...along with various free meals available daily in local churches,and also the charity I work for which focuses on rough sleepers,and the vulnerable. We offer meals,along with emergency food parcels for those who are suddenly on hard times,or benefit recipients who have no funds.
Like the food banks,we rely on what is donated...tinned foods being the most practical...though we get some quite odd items when someone has cleared out their cupboard. Unfortunately-what is practical is often very stodgy. But it fills tummies...that's our priority.

[albaqwerty]

exactly Lisa, and if I pay all that from benefit I'm lucky if I've a couple of quid left for food.

Before anyone asks why I can access internet, it's thanks to my FIL and the library.

[pastafreak]

The food banks do not hand out to any who ask. A reference is needed-from social services,the Salvation Army,or a charity like ours. All are screened before hand.

[albaqwerty]

AOG, you're lucky that you just don't get the point.
Have you ever walked a mile in anyone else shoes who doesn't use the Daily Mail for soles for their shoes?
Do you give to charity or are you just one of those peeps who thinks it's disgusting?

[anotheoldgit]

albaqwerty

/// ooh, benefits should be enough for a weeks food?
Really! Well, some of us have to pay TV licence and rent from our benefit.
Unless you're in it, just don't blooming comment!! ///

Oh pardon me for commenting, but I thought this was a free country.

Incidentally you do not need to pay a TV licence, just get rid of that luxury, there's many that have.

[dave50]

Are there some people taking advantage of these food banks just because they can get something for nothing even though they may not need to? Just a thought.

[pastafreak]

As I said Dave...all those in need are screened beforehand...it is not a free-for-all. Though soup kitchens are not likely to be able to monitor who gets their handouts too easily.

[albaqwerty]

aog, you really do live down to your name.
I'll get rid of it if Mr Alba says so, so naff off with your patronising comments.
Have you ever walked in anyones shoes, who has been made redundant?
I notice you've not answered that, but then again, you only answer what you feel like.

[Zeuhl]

/Oh pardon me for commenting, but I thought this was a free country./

Indeed it is aog

You are free to make as many ill informed and stupid comments as you like

But don't go into a hissy fit when someone better informed than you responds

[divegirl]

And while you're there Alba... disconnect the leccy and wash in a pond ;0)

[anotheoldgit]

albaqwerty

/// Have you ever walked a mile in anyone else shoes who doesn't use the Daily Mail for soles for their shoes?
Do you give to charity or are you just one of those peeps who thinks it's disgusting? ///

If only you knew of all the things that I have sacrificed and have learnt to go without, so that some like you could be looked after in this age of no World War, a free health service, and benefits galore, you don't know the half.

[Octavius]

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

Is it reasonable to disparage people looking for a bargain? A friend of mine practically chases the lady with 'reduced items' tag gun around the shop, and he cleared £170k last year. It was a quiet year.

[sherrardk]

Poverty is rising in the UK and people who are fortunate not to be in the position of the people who need food banks should try and find a modicum of compassion.

http://www.bristol.ac.uk/news/2013/9270.html

http://www.cpag.org.uk/child-poverty-facts-and-figures

[albaqwerty]

oh, some like me!! Really, you don't know me I don't know you and I sure as hellfire don't want to know anyone like you.

You also don't know how old I am and what we have sacrificed so get of your daily mail bundle.

[berniecuddles]

you tell him albs if he didn't have the daily mail he would have nothing to say!

[Connemmara]

Smurfchops you omitted "drink" in your posting. I know many who live hand to mouth waiting for their benefits to drink and dope it.

Dave 50 I agree with your posting. Don't believe all people are screened. I worked myself for St Vincent de Paul and it was unbelievable of the people who tore the a se out of it. I very quickly left!