Food banks in Britain...

[max_tranmere]

There's been a lot about this on the news today and last night, and it's been said that the number of people going to food banks has increased since the recession started. They said on Newsnight yesterday that some are people whose Benefits have been stopped while the DSS is processing the arrival of another kid in their family. Another woman had just bailed-out a relative and had left herself short. These things would also happen when there is not a recession though. I am puzzled how food bank usage is highest in the areas where smoking, drinking and gambling at the bookie's are also at their highest. People always seem to find money for that. What are people's views?

[dog]

I have seen these in supermarkets, cages with a sign on saying food bank, nearly picked out a couple tins me self for free, get on.

We had this in the local press in my area people needing food, however if you are buying one day a small 7 quid Domino pizza and cans of Stella Artois then you're going to need a helping hand when you realise you have no money to buy fags/food for your kids!

So don't forget folks think of others who have spent all there money on over priced junk food, make sure you give them as much of your money as you can before it's too late and they die or something...

[andy at handiwork]

David, you know what happens when you ask questions on here that might involve a little bit in the way of compassion and empathy on the part of the reader, dont you?

[David Johnson]

Well Max, as both of us know, smoking, drinking and gambling is an ever present in British society through the ages.

So the question is, why do charities feel there is a need now to have food banks?

Is it because:

1. They are getting bored and can't think of anything else to do with their time?

2. They are politically motivated and they are trying to score points against the Tories?

3. Because of the increasing use of sanctioning to remove benefits, the stopping of disability benefits for those who fail the ATOS tests, the cutbacks in discretionary, emergency funding etc etc, the charities have perceived a need?

Which one do you think it is, Max? I think you probably know my answer.

[Porn Baron]

If you would like to donate Max????

[andy at handiwork]

For some reason I thought the OP was from DJ rather than Max, rather negating my point a bit.

[Jonone]

"I am puzzled how food bank usage is highest in the areas where smoking, drinking and gambling at the bookie's are also at their highest"

Evidence ?

[dog]

"2. They are politically motivated and they are trying to score points against the Tories?"

That is what it appears to be as running this campaign is one Justin Forsyth, he was one of Blairs and Browns adviser who now is the Chief Executive of Save the Children. He claims the Government need to do more. This is all based on one study that of a survey of 1,500 children and 5000 parents.

"politically motivated" the Chief Executive of Save the Children isn't a Tory lover!

[Arginald Valleywater]

At lunchtime my colleague and I will be volunteering at the Salvation Army drop in centre. It will offer a decent two course meal to those in need. Those in need being a bunch of junkies, alcos and ex cons......

You may not know but all over the UK Barnardo's, churches and countless other groups offer life skills and cooking on a budget classes. The aim is to help needy people avoid blowing all their money on lager, take aways and crisps. The instructors are usually skilled chefs or dietary experts who can whip up a healthy meal out of very basic, affordable and nutritious ingredients. The sad fact is many of these classes are getting cancelled becuase NO LAZY FUCKERS TURN UP! They are too busy watching Jeremy Kyle and eating pot noodles.

[David Johnson]

.....and driving their Ferraris to pick up an emergency fund cheque from the DWP.