Food Banks

[granny grump]

I was talking to a lady today who needs to use the services of a local food bank She surprised me by saying that she can only go twice every 6 months I was astounded Does anyone know if this is true nationally Are all the food banks regulated as to how much and how often people can go?

[Mamyalynne]

I should imagine it varies from area to area depending on criteria and availability etc.

[New Judge]

It's s great shame (in more ways than one) that our dear departed old friend Mikey444 is no longer with us. He used to work in a food bank and knew all about them.

I thought they were only to address short term hardship (e.g. people whose benefit payments had been delayed). I didn't know that they were for long term assistance.

[-SharonA-]

I have heard that a letter from the doctor is needed.

[pastafreak]

I know there's a limited here in Plymouth...I think it's up to 6 times a year...but don't take my word for it.

[pastafreak]

I should also say that the amount given is enough for three days...so definitely short term. Our local food bank is part of the Trussell Trust.

https://plymouth.foodbank.org.uk/get-help/faq/

[tonyav]

Probably because of this, gg.
Food banks provide free food to people in acute need. Normally, those needing help must be referred by a doctor, social worker, or Jobcentre staff, who give them a voucher to exchange for food.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2015-32413080

[granny grump]

Thank you all for your input - I don't know all of this lady's circumstances but she got very upset in the meeting we were in and does seem to be in quite straightened circumstances

[albaqwerty]

was told a few years back that in our area you can only apply 3 times.
This was before Universal Credit came rolling along, that's another discussion for another thread.

Applicants to food banks are not only those on benefits.

I think it's a huge shame that they are needed at all, but am glad they are around to give assistance.

[granny grump]

I totally agree albaqwerty

[albaqwerty]

ty for best Granny z

I just hope those who receive the good parcels have the knowledge for cooking - some parents unfortunately haven't been taught by their parents and so it continues :-(

[Old_Geezer]

We have a welfare state. That food banks are consider to be, or even are, necessary is an anathema.

[woofgang]

alba, I was watching a program on TV about this. As well as food parcels that need heating or cooking, centres also give out "kettle" parcels which have things that can be prepared using only hot water and "cold" parcels of things that are designed to be opened and eaten with no prep at all. Its my understanding that things that need "real" cooking are much less required.

[sherrardk]

AOG - it can take weeks (up to 13 weeks) to receive benefits if you suddenly find yourself up *** creek without a paddle, food banks are necessary lifeline to a surprising number of people.

[albaqwerty]

as Sherrr said, it only takes a couple of weeks of no wages to find yourself up shoot creek.
I posted a few years ago about need the services of a food bank
Probly more years age than I can care to remember :-D

[albaqwerty]

woofy - I didn't see that programme, but I think they are thinking along the lines of saving leccy so cook meal in kettle then have a cup of tea. Makes sense imo

[albaqwerty]

jordy, I wish we could, but in this case we can't.
There are others, who dor the life of me at this time of night, I can't think of

However, one twit does ring a bell from a couple of centuries ago, Let Tjem eat cake if they cannot afford bread;
or some such quote - and that ended happily ever after :-D

[rowanwitch]

Not only food, hygiene products are desperately needed, imagine not having enough to buy toothpaste or shampoo, I saw a woman once pumping the liquid soap from a dispenser in the ladies into a jar to take home.

[EDDIE51]

To use one, you need a letter of introduction,from your GP ,Hospital, Social services, CAB.
Once you have the letter you can use the food bank 3 times , that's in my town,it varies from place to place.
As said, they are an emergency measure , not a permanent solution. A lot of people seem to think you can just roll up and get your shopping free. They are all regulated with restrictions on how often you can use them.

[albaqwerty]

sanitary products and pet food are also needed.
Shaving foam and blades too.

I could weep...