Money Moral Dilemma: Is it OK to claim free food to feed my guinea pigs?

MSE_Sarah

This week's MoneySaver who wants advice asks...

With the cost of living rising, including the price of food, I've been considering using a food sharing app to collect salad that's going free, then feeding it to my guinea pigs. Is it OK to do this to save money, or should I be leaving it for those who want to eat it themselves?

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lcc86

It's not being wasted so I don't see a problem with it!

BeckyAM

OF COURSE IT'S OKAY!
The food is not being wasted, but being used by animals who need it because their owner needs the aid, so that is perfectly fine so don't feel bad about it, animals matter too.

Grumpy_chap

Is it possible to get salad when it is too old for human consumption but still suitable for the guinea pigs?

I think the specific circumstances are needed here.  The clear priority for food banks and other such schemes is to feeding human population focusing on those most in need.  However, our local food bank has problems managing the food donations they have so every now and then the local online social media there is a post advising they have XYZ food that will go off so rather than waste the food, the preference is to let anyone take the food that can make use of it.  Not how food banks should work.

Louby_Lou_3

If the food is otherwise going to waste, I don't see the problem - I can't see many people wrestling that iceberg lettuce out of your hands!!

missymouse

Definitely ok. They love sald

Compcol

Definitely not. The food is donated for people. If you do not need the food yourself, lots of other people do. 

theoretica

If you let it be known you are looking for guinea pig food I am sure a lot of places have outer leaves of cauliflowers, carrot tops etc and you could find a source of food that would not otherwise be eaten by humans.

Katecooks

I don't see any problem with it. Food sharing apps are actually about avoiding food waste rather than feeding those on a limited budget, so if someone is chucking out salad stuff, why not? But do try to give back when you can. Have a look at the RSPCA site for information on feeding guinea pigs though; they need hay to keep their teeth in good condition and should graze on grass as often as possible. Dandelion leaves are also good free food (although make sure they aren't sprayed with weed-killer). I used to grow dandelions (from the seed heads which I scattered in a shallow plastic tubs filled with soil) for mine. I also had a friendly green-grocer who was happy to give me the outer leaves from lettuce etc. 

Robin9

My local Food Bank supplies the need of the family - if they have no money then they have no money for toilet rolls, nappies, cat food, toothpaste, sanitary products .......................

sheramber

My local food bank actually ask for dog/cat/pet food to be donated.