Money Moral Dilemma: Should someone who earns a decent wage use food banks?

MSE_Sarah

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

Someone I know is on above average wages, but doesn't manage her finances very well. She's now going to a food bank to top up her weekly shopping, instead of sorting her finances out or cutting back. Should I tell her she's being selfish by potentially denying people in greater need than her, or am I judging her too harshly? 

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sarah1972

Our local food bank and community store requires proof of benefits to ‘try’ to help those more in need 

Brie

Ours requires a referral from an official agency or individual.  

I truly doubt that there are very many people who choose to use the food bank.  The majority are really in need for a wide variety of reasons.  But the food banks are also aware that some of it is down to bad budgeting etc so are beginning to take that into account with certain clients. 

Murphybear

I know someone who gets a lot of free food but smokes quite a lot.

Rosa_Damascena

People lacking common sense still need to eat, just like the rest of us. Live and let live, and be grateful it's not you in that position. 

Longwalker

I saw a programme once, where they were interviewing a Food Bank manager _ for want of a better word - and he said so what if someone comes to get free food so they can afford to get their hair or nails done that week. When people are spending every waking ( and sleeping )moment worrying about money, who can judge them for that? As he said, it gives them a few minutes where they can feel "normal" stress levels fall, they arent giving off at the kids 

Lastonestanding

jimpwarsop said:

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If you have an average income and a car, why would you use a foodbank with so little choice.
I want the freshest bread and salad, countless other choices at a supermarket.

VintageBelle

Could you maybe offer to help your friend manage her finances, so she can see where her shortfall is maybe improve her situation?

Scousemaid

Some areas have. “Zero Waste” programme that also helps to distribute food that would otherwise go to land fill. All types of people use this as it is to prevent waste. Ofcourse it is mainly available late in the day (10pm) so is not accessible to everyone. If there is a glut of items - fruit etc they often distribute it to schools, groups etc. 

ece69

There a quite a few comments that make negative assumptions and comments about food bank users. Don’t judge until you have evidence.

I don’t know of any food bank that gives assistance without proof from a local authority, DWP, citizens’ advice or similar. I do know teachers and nurses who use food banks from necessity. Cost of living combined and low/no salary increases for over 10 years have forced them to do so.

The question is "why do food banks exist?”. They would not exist or would at least not have seen the exponential growth in numbers if we had an adequate welfare system along with fair taxation in place.

madmarch

Unaskedfor advice rarely goes down well. How do you know what this person earns and how they spend it? Are you sure? Some people helpout other relatives or have longstanding debts. Personally I think it is best to mind your own business.