Money Moral Dilemma: Is it OK to use a surplus food app even though I'm not struggling?

MSE_Kelvin

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

I read about an app that allows you to buy discounted food from supermarkets that would otherwise be thrown away. I thought this was a great idea, so I downloaded and started using it. My local deli was on it and I bought £12 worth of food for just £4. But then I started to think that, while I'm not rich, I'm hardly poor, so should I be using this app or leaving it so there's more available to those who are struggling?

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powerspowers

I think it’s fine as there’s no guarantees that someone who really needs the food would actually get it and actually waste food sharing is not the answer to structural poverty.  I’d consider what you can do to help people less fortunate though by paying your savings forward or volunteering your time 😊

Obird63

The point of the app is to reduce food waste, not save you money. The side effect being that you save money too, is just an added bonus. I don't think you need to feel guilty about it; there's no guarantee that anyone who needed the cheaper food would get it or indeed, want it. I would carry on doing what you are doing and consider making a donation to your local food bank if you feel so inclined... 

Saetana

Nothing wrong with saving money - just because someone is poor does not mean they will be using the app.

elsien

I use Olio. A lot of the food people don’t want such as bags of salad ends up being donated as animal food. I saw someone the other day, taking taking 3 crates full of bags of salad and loaves of bread to feed the goats with because there was too much surplus for the number of people.
its purpose is to reduce food waste. Nothing more, nothing less. I have no qualms about requesting items, even though I’m not on the breadline.  

The OP is referring to something like the “too good to go “ app. Which I don’t use because I tried it a couple of times and got a load of food that I didn’t want and couldn’t freeze. But that is the luck of the draw. If you’re on the breadline you probable need to know what you’re getting and not just hope that it’s something that you would eat and have space for. 

Flipflop13

I think the Too Good To Go app is about reducing food waste and helping a business reclaim some of the costs instead of being a total loss. OLIO is supermarkets reducing waste. You’re actually both benefiting. Food banks are completely different and donations from others as a form of charity donation which only eligible people should be using

sclare

Too good to go is about avoiding waste, and it's also a bit of a lottery. Some bags are great, one I put straight in the bin. It's not about the cost of living. It's been going for ages and it's for everyone. 

Olio is also about avoiding waste, but as the stuff is free I tend to leave it for others. 

Food banks and our local community fridge? I wouldn't dream of taking what is for those in need. 

elsien

You may take perishables. The ones in my area don’t. I asked that question before using the Olio app. 

We will have to agree to differ on whether I am selfish or not. 

OmoEgba

It's fine. The aim of these apps are to reduce food waste. Charities know the apps are available and should use they but they don't.  yeo don't. The refore the argument is moot if the charities will not take the food available or if the people struggling do not like what they find. I personally don't waste food and if what I want has a yellow sticker I will buy it.

confusedgranny

I had a similar dilemma last night. Went in shop 30 mins before closing. 3 loaves of reduced bread. I thought they would be thrown out so bought 2, froze 1 but left one for someone else.

ambioni

If we're talking about an app like "Too Good to Go" then I don't see the problem. I use one every couple of weeks or so, usually local artisan bakeries or sometimes our local Dobbies which has a small Sainsburys instore....I am on a good wage as is my partner so we don't have to worry too much about the cost of groceries normally. Apps like that are a bit of fun, you're saving food from being wasted and you're not getting it for free, just very discounted because it is so close to its end of shelf life.