The Unpalatable Truth About Foodbanks

13th March 2014


When the organisers of a charity food bank in Coventry received their 10,000th client, they held a ceremony during which the city’s mayor handed a free bag of shopping to a man considered to be the most deserving recipient.

Amid a ripple of applause from the crowd of officials, a grinning Darren Harvey stepped forward to receive the emergency supply of food, which was enough to feed him and his family for about three days.

The event was intended to highlight the plight of poor people who cannot afford to buy basic foodstuffs, a situation the Left has blamed on welfare cuts and described as a ‘national crisis’. It was filmed by a BBC TV team as part of a documentary called Britain’s Hidden Hungry.


The fly-on-the-wall crew gave viewers a revealing insight into 44-year-old Mr Harvey, however. For far from being deserving, he was exposed as a ‘conman’ — the local newspaper’s description — who was slyly taking jobs while claiming benefits, accusations he denies.

In addition it was claimed he had a string of petty criminal offences, had been accused of tricking two women out of thousands of pounds, and was alleged to have been evicited by his landlord after refusing to pay rent. Little wonder the BBC documentary described him as a man with a ‘sense of entitlement’.




A snapshot of food banks around the country shows that their popularity hardly equates to the Left’s picture of a ‘starving Britain’.

Nikki Sanders, a 39-year-old mother-of-five, was in genuine need when she used one in Wimbledon, South-West London, after getting a voucher from a government-backed ‘Sure Start’ nursery.

She had just divorced, was out of work and waiting for income support to come through.

‘I was given a huge box of food. I couldn’t believe how much there was. It lasted two or three weeks.’

However, she soon realised that others were routinely obtaining vouchers despite having enough money to squander on drink-fuelled nights out.

‘People I know told me they often use it if they have been out on benders over the weekend and spent all their benefits,’ she says.

‘Come Monday, they have no money left. Then they just ask the Sure Start nursery staff where they take their kids for vouchers. They just fill out a form and lie. It’s very easy and very cheeky.’

Miss Sanders says that such people felt no shame in taking food donated by kind-hearted volunteers: ‘Their attitude is to hell with them. It doesn’t worry them. Benefits cash isn’t for people to go out and get drunk on. But they seem to think that they’re entitled to it.’


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2579715/Unpalatable-truth-food-banks-Left-finds-hard-swallow-Political-football-undeserving-claimants-shame-genuine-need.html#ixzz2vpT0YhLF

Conman aside, God I wish this was true.
Sad fact is people are using them because they have no choice. Do you want to know another sad fact? Many people using them are employed.
It would be more helpful if the DM were at least on nodding terms with the truth.

Now, I've been roaming the sink estates again, while doing a bit of charity work and this is what I've noticed:

People on benefits going to their corner shop, buying ciggies, cheap cans and then.... spending a fiver on those scratchcards!

What the devil is all that about? And they do it two or three times a week (I've staked the place out)!

BigAndy9 wrote:Now, I've been roaming the sink estates again, while doing a bit of charity work and this is what I've noticed:

People on benefits going to their corner shop, buying ciggies, cheap cans and then.... spending a fiver on those scratchcards!

What the devil is all that about?  And they do it two or three times a week (I've staked the place out)!

Pufftt....you been spying again at your local 'Hamilton Accies ' Andy?   

Only a tiny minority do this Andy, most likely those who are lodging with parents as folk on the benefits wouldn't be able to afford to...especially two or three times a week as you say chief.

The food banks are a sad testimony to our country in as much as we should be looking after our people properly so such a thing is not needed, it seems more third world than Great Britain.

Joy Division wrote:

BigAndy9 wrote:Now, I've been roaming the sink estates again, while doing a bit of charity work and this is what I've noticed:

People on benefits going to their corner shop, buying ciggies, cheap cans and then.... spending a fiver on those scratchcards!

What the devil is all that about?  And they do it two or three times a week (I've staked the place out)!

Pufftt....you been spying again at your local 'Hamilton Accies ' Andy?   

Only  a tiny minority do this Andy, most likely those who are lodging with parents as folk on the benefits wouldn't be able to afford to...especially two or three times a week as you say chief.

You know it's true JD, as does everybody else who will read it.

Let me tell you why they do it - boredom.

Gambling and special offers appeal to a certain group, and it isn't fair - they abuse those special groups, who can't help themselves - they have low self esteem, nothing to live for, nothing to get out of their pyjamas for.

Give them work - have them cleaning up the estates, the countryside, have them patrolling in groups at night. Get them out of the house and out of pyjamas.

Godisgoodallthetime wrote:The food banks are a sad testimony to our country in as much as we should be looking after our people properly so such a thing is not needed, it seems more third world than Great Britain.

I agree with that Favva

Godisgoodallthetime wrote:The food banks are a sad testimony to our country in as much as we should be looking after our people properly so such a thing is not needed, it seems more third world than Great Britain.

I'm afraid the money must go on foreigners, God.

BigAndy9 wrote:

Joy Division wrote:


Pufftt....you been spying again at your local 'Hamilton Accies ' Andy?   

Only  a tiny minority do this Andy, most likely those who are lodging with parents as folk on the benefits wouldn't be able to afford to...especially two or three times a week as you say chief.

You know it's true JD, as does everybody else who will read it.

Let me tell you why they do it - boredom.

Gambling and special offers appeal to a certain group, and it isn't fair - they abuse those special groups, who can't help themselves - they have low self esteem, nothing to live for, nothing to get out of their pyjamas for.

Give them work - have them cleaning up the estates, the countryside, have them patrolling in groups at night.  Get them out of the house and out of pyjamas.

..I know it's true of so much people Andy, but you aye paint this picture of everyone on benefits being slackers,smokers, gamblers alcoholics etc...it's what your famous for Andy!  

Andy , while you have a bit if truth on this, when will you realise it's only a minority to live like this!!!

Joy Division wrote:

BigAndy9 wrote:


You know it's true JD, as does everybody else who will read it.

Let me tell you why they do it - boredom.

Gambling and special offers appeal to a certain group, and it isn't fair - they abuse those special groups, who can't help themselves - they have low self esteem, nothing to live for, nothing to get out of their pyjamas for.

Give them work - have them cleaning up the estates, the countryside, have them patrolling in groups at night.  Get them out of the house and out of pyjamas.

..I know it's true of so much people Andy, but you aye paint this picture of everyone on benefits being slackers,smokers, gamblers alcoholics etc...it's what your famous for Andy!  

Andy , while you have a bit if truth on this, when will you realise it's only a minority to live like this!!!

What do you think is better for those capable of work JD - sitting at home or making their local environment a better place for 20 hours a week?

BigAndy9 wrote:

Joy Division wrote:


..I know it's true of so much people Andy, but you aye paint this picture of everyone on benefits being slackers,smokers, gamblers alcoholics etc...it's what your famous for Andy!  

Andy , while you have a bit if truth on this, when will you realise it's only a minority to live like this!!!

What do you think is better for those capable of work JD - sitting at home or making their local environment a better place for 20 hours a week?

...obviously the latter Andy, would probably be good for their mental wellbeing too, but if they had to work for their benefits , then the Labour side if it may become abused and they may be expected to work 40 hours...which I don't agree with...

They should only work up until their benefit money is reached , based on NMW.

Joy Division wrote:

BigAndy9 wrote:


What do you think is better for those capable of work JD - sitting at home or making their local environment a better place for 20 hours a week?

...obviously the latter Andy, would probably be good for their mental wellbeing too, but if they had to work for their benefits , then the Labour side if it may become abused and they may be expected to work 40 hours...which I don't agree with...

They should only work up until their benefit money is reached , based on NMW.

That's the problem - the likes of you keep on putting up barriers.

If only you'd done some time in the army JD - you'd have the "let's just do it" attitude.

Your (Labour's) attitude is what keeps decent people down - you are trapping them on benefits.

BigAndy9 wrote:

Joy Division wrote:


...obviously the latter Andy, would probably be good for their mental wellbeing too, but if they had to work for their benefits , then the Labour side if it may become abused and they may be expected to work 40 hours...which I don't agree with...

They should only work up until their benefit money is reached , based on NMW.

That's the problem - the likes of you keep on putting up barriers.  

If only you'd done some time in the army JD - you'd have the "let's just do it" attitude.  

Your (Labour's) attitude is what keeps decent people down - you are trapping them on benefits.

Na Andy,it's bad enough taxing folk on the NMW, bit to have them made to clean up full time for benefits is against human rights surely?

I'm not into slave labour Andy, that should have died out years back...completely.

And no army would ever change my mind on that.

Joy Division wrote:

BigAndy9 wrote:


That's the problem - the likes of you keep on putting up barriers.  

If only you'd done some time in the army JD - you'd have the "let's just do it" attitude.  

Your (Labour's) attitude is what keeps decent people down - you are trapping them on benefits.

Na Andy,it's  bad enough taxing folk on the NMW, bit to have them made to clean up full time for benefits is against human rights surely?

I'm not into slave labour Andy, that should have died out years back...completely.

And no army would ever change my mind on that.

I know - you were too scared to join.

Taxed on the minimum wage - exactly how much tax does somebody on the minimum wage pay in 1 year JD??

BigAndy9 wrote:Now, I've been roaming the sink estates again, while doing a bit of charity work and this is what I've noticed:

People on benefits going to their corner shop, buying ciggies, cheap cans and then.... spending a fiver on those scratchcards!

What the devil is all that about?  And they do it two or three times a week (I've staked the place out)!

What charity?
what have you been doing?
What sink estate?

If somebody works a 37.5 hour week on the minimum wage of (is it) £6.50 - how much tax do they pay in 1 year?

Could somebody work this out?

NemsAgain wrote:

BigAndy9 wrote:Now, I've been roaming the sink estates again, while doing a bit of charity work and this is what I've noticed:

People on benefits going to their corner shop, buying ciggies, cheap cans and then.... spending a fiver on those scratchcards!

What the devil is all that about?  And they do it two or three times a week (I've staked the place out)!

What charity?
what have you been doing?
What sink estate?

I can't divulge such personal information on here Nems.

And I don't want to big myself up about all the charity work I do.

::troll::  alert

BigAndy9 wrote:

NemsAgain wrote:

What charity?
what have you been doing?
What sink estate?

I can't divulge such personal information on here Nems.

And I don't want to big myself up about all the charity work I do.

Not bigging yourself up at all. I dont think the charity name is personal info. I used to volunteer for victim support.

Charities welcome any mention at all as they rely on donations

NemsAgain wrote:

BigAndy9 wrote:


I can't divulge such personal information on here Nems.

And I don't want to big myself up about all the charity work I do.

Not bigging yourself up at all. I dont think the charity name is personal info. I used to volunteer for victim support.

Charities welcome any mention at all as they rely on donations

It was in fact a joke Nems - I have mentioned sink estates before and Iron and JD have told me to stop roaming them, so it was just a light-hearted take on that.

A person on 37.5 hours a week minimum wage pays approx £953 a year in tax.

Which is wrong - minimum should mean minimum not minimum before we take some more away from you.

The only party with the policy to take the minimum wage out of taxation is UKIP.

How do you work that out Sphinx. At £6.50 an hour, new minimum wage, 37.5 hours a week they earn £12,675. You don't pay tax on first £10,000 so they pay basic on £2,675 which is £535. Agreed they shouldn't be paying it though.

If benefit claimants should work for their money how will they find the time to find a proper job, and if they are going to work for their benefit money then there must be a job available .

VOD(original) wrote:If benefit claimants should work for their money how will they find the time to find a proper job, and if they are going to work for their benefit money then there must be a job available .

How much time do you think benefit claimants spend actually job-searching?

I'm sure if they did community work for 15 - 20 hours that 15 - 20 hours left would be enough to search for jobs VOD.

Sassy wrote:How do you work that out Sphinx.   At £6.50 an hour, new minimum wage, 37.5 hours a week they earn £12,675.   You don't pay tax on first £10,000 so they pay basic on £2,675 which is £535.   Agreed they shouldn't be paying it though.

I think it's a small amount for such a great deal that they get back.

Somebody on around £40,000 pays about £10,000 in tax and NI - is that too much?

Minimum wage is £6.31 for those over 21, and the personal allowance is £9,440 for those born after 5 April 1948.

What is working tax credit? Who gets that?

sphinx wrote:A person on 37.5 hours a week minimum wage pays approx  £953 a year in tax.

Which is wrong - minimum should mean minimum not minimum before we take some more away from you.

The only party with the policy to take the minimum wage out of taxation is UKIP.

...depends though,some works 40 hours, some 32 hours, I think 32 hours a week is classed as full time, so the tax paid in a year for someone on the NMW which vary from anything between £700 -£1000 ...

But it's all those who pay around this in taxes which mount up to a lot.

Don't forget NI either - that's added to tax paid.

Joy Division wrote:

sphinx wrote:A person on 37.5 hours a week minimum wage pays approx  £953 a year in tax.

Which is wrong - minimum should mean minimum not minimum before we take some more away from you.

The only party with the policy to take the minimum wage out of taxation is UKIP.

...depends though,some works 40 hours, some 32 hours, I think 32 hours a week is classed as full time, so the tax paid in a year for someone on the NMW which vary from anything between £700 -£1000 ...

But it's all those who pay around this in taxes which mount up to a lot.

32 hours is full time? Not in any job I've ever had.

I have always believed the unemployed should do some work for their money, it is better for them and it might lead them to something they would want to do for a job ..

Raggamuffin wrote:

Joy Division wrote:


...depends though,some works 40 hours, some 32 hours, I think 32 hours a week is classed as full time, so the tax paid in a year for someone on the NMW which vary from anything between £700 -£1000 ...

But it's all those who pay around this in taxes which mount up to a lot.

32 hours is full time? Not in any job I've ever had.

..I'm quite sure some employers will class 32, 36 hours etc as full time, maybe not all...

But  I think some even class as low as 30 hours as full time.

And if one applies to get tax credits, I think they class 30 hours as part time...I think.

the minimum wage divided by how much benefits they get would work out how many hours they would have to work..  

Joy Division wrote:

Raggamuffin wrote:

32 hours is full time? Not in any job I've ever had.

..I'm quite sure some employers will class 32, 36 hours etc as full time, maybe not all...

But  I think some even class as low as 30 hours as full time.

Even in a 9-5 job with an hour for lunch, which not many people do these days, it would be a 35-hour week. Most jobs seem to be 7.5 hours a day, or possibly 8.

Raggamuffin wrote:

Joy Division wrote:



..I'm quite sure some employers will class 32, 36 hours etc as full time, maybe not all...

But  I think some even class as low as 30 hours as full time.

Even in a 9-5 job with an hour for lunch, which not many people do these days, it would be a 35-hour week. Most jobs seem to be 7.5 hours a day, or possibly 8.

Well employees have to eat just as employers do.

Joy Division wrote:

Raggamuffin wrote:

Even in a 9-5 job with an hour for lunch, which not many people do these days, it would be a 35-hour week. Most jobs seem to be 7.5 hours a day, or possibly 8.

Well employees have to eat just as employers do.

What? I was talking about your claim that full time jobs are 32 hours a week.

So who gets working tax credits, and how much is it?

I agree - full time is usually 35 - 40 hours per week.

BigAndy9 wrote:

NemsAgain wrote:

Not bigging yourself up at all. I dont think the charity name is personal info. I used to volunteer for victim support.

Charities welcome any mention at all as they rely on donations

It was in fact a joke Nems - I have mentioned sink estates before and Iron and JD have told me to stop roaming them, so it was just a light-hearted take on that.

Nonsense, you realised I was going to prove you were talking shite

Hi Nems

I am not denying people need foodbanks, what does not add up to me is why only now, as most of it does not make sense for those on the lowest incomes, as if really in reality many for years have required the service.
The fact is now more are in employment, those on lowest incomes pay less tax, so if the most vulnerable are better off today and far more people were in this group before, more unemployed, then it stands to reason many more needed this a few years back.

Hence I do not buy how it is a new problem, I think this has been an issue for at least the last 6 years if not more and that now with more access, is the only reason why now more are taking advantage

BigAndy9 wrote:So who gets working tax credits, and how much is it?

I agree - full time is usually 35 - 40 hours per week.

google it it varies depending on circumstances

PhilDidge wrote:Hi Nems

I am not denying people need foodbanks, what does not add up to me is why only now, as most of it does not make sense for those on the lowest incomes, as if really in reality many for years have required the service.
The fact is now more are in employment, those on lowest incomes pay less tax, so if the most vulnerable are better off today and far more people were in this group before, more unemployed, then it stands to reason many more needed this a few years back.

Hence I do not buy how it is a new problem, I think this has been an issue for at least the last 6 years if not more and that now with more access, is the only reason why now more are taking advantage

Hi Didge there are many reasons more are using the food banks. Cost of living going up while wages have been frozen. The rocketing cost of gas and electricity. Rising cost of travel. withdrawal of school uniform grant. withdrawal of crisis loans. Basically the same wage is expected to cover more each year.
I often give a food bank voucher or asda or tesco voucher, to pay for food in order to free up money to buy gas and electric, or a school coat.

NemsAgain wrote:

BigAndy9 wrote:

It was in fact a joke Nems - I have mentioned sink estates before and Iron and JD have told me to stop roaming them, so it was just a light-hearted take on that.

Nonsense, you realised I was going to prove you were talking shite

Oh do shut up Nems, I was joking just like I joke about being a Nazi - because one or two on here like to call others Nazi's.

BigAndy9 wrote:

NemsAgain wrote:

Nonsense, you realised I was going to prove you were talking shite

Oh do shut up Nems, I was joking just like I joke about being a Nazi - because one or two on here like to call others Nazi's.

Andy I was joking   

See how easily its done? Ya tube

The fact that many of those who go to them say there are many who don't need to is telling.

Just as many on benefits now admit they are very well off.

People have realised the benefits system is very generous and that's why so many voted Conservative at the last General Election.

NemsAgain wrote:

PhilDidge wrote:Hi Nems

I am not denying people need foodbanks, what does not add up to me is why only now, as most of it does not make sense for those on the lowest incomes, as if really in reality many for years have required the service.
The fact is now more are in employment, those on lowest incomes pay less tax, so if the most vulnerable are better off today and far more people were in this group before, more unemployed, then it stands to reason many more needed this a few years back.

Hence I do not buy how it is a new problem, I think this has been an issue for at least the last 6 years if not more and that now with more access, is the only reason why now more are taking advantage

Hi Didge there are many reasons more are using the food banks. Cost of living going up while wages have been frozen. The rocketing cost of gas and electricity. Rising cost of travel. withdrawal of school uniform grant. withdrawal of crisis loans. Basically the same wage is expected to cover more each year.
I often give a food bank voucher or asda or tesco voucher, to pay for food in order to free up money to buy gas and electric, or a school coat.

Sorry Nems, the cost of living has not changed that much in the last few years and wages have not increased with the cost of living within the last 10 years, thus the problem would still be as bad, if not worse before.
To me this shows they have always been needed, because not only do many manage without the use of foodbanks, but the fact is why is it now we have less people in this lowest income bracket, now need it more,when before they faced it in a worse position and many more within this position. The question only here will be on people and how they manage their money and if more are getting into debt, that would be the only other reason 

I think it is a poor view to blame on the recent Government or situation and think actually this started way back

BigAndy9 wrote:The fact that many of those who go to them say there are many who don't need to is telling.

Just as many on benefits now admit they are very well off.

People have realised the benefits system is very generous and that's why so many voted Conservative at the last General Election.

you make these sweeping generalisations with out a scrap to back you.
So few people voted tory we got a sodding coalition

Now, why do you think the English are slightly miffed?

PhilDidge wrote:

NemsAgain wrote:


Hi Didge there are many reasons more are using the food banks. Cost of living going up while wages have been frozen. The rocketing cost of gas and electricity. Rising cost of travel. withdrawal of school uniform grant. withdrawal of crisis loans. Basically the same wage is expected to cover more each year.
I often give a food bank voucher or asda or tesco voucher, to pay for food in order to free up money to buy gas and electric, or a school coat.

Sorry Nems, the cost of living has not changed that much in the last few years and wages have not increased with the cost of living within the last 10 years, thus the problem would still be as bad, if not worse before.
To me this shows they have always been needed, because not only do many manage without the use of foodbanks, but the fact is why is it now we have less people in this lowest income bracket, now need it more,when before they faced it in a worse position and many more within this position. The question only here will be on people and how they manage their money and if more are getting into debt, that would be the only other reason 

I think it is a poor view to blame on the recent Government or situation and think actually this started way back

Cost of living hasnt changed much? You are joking right? I know it has when I fill up my car or pay the gas bill!
The food banks are not springing up all over the place because people suddenly became irresponsible. They are needed because people in this country in 2014 are living hand to mouth. And that is a disgrace. What ever you think caused it and who ever you blame is irrelevant the fact is poverty is a growing problem.