I’m single and live in a small rural town. I make good money (okay, better than most) but have been feeling strapped financially over the last few months due to some unexpected bills. I’m still able to make ends meet and have cut way back on any discretionary spending. I’m not in a financial crisis by any means, I’m just…uncomfortable.
That being said, there is a free food bank in town that is open one day a week. And I’m someone who generally shops at thrift stores, likes to repurpose everything I can, etc.
I understand that food banks are generally for people who are in much tougher financial positions than I am. WIBTA if I took advantage of this service for a few months until I feel better about my financial situation? Or does this entire question just read as tone deaf and from a place of privilege? Send help.
YTA. If you make good money, “better than most” in your own words, you don’t need to get food from a food bank. I guarantee that there are people in your town who depend on that food bank to survive and still leave enough for others in similar circumstances.
> Or does this entire question just read as tone deaf and from a place of privilege?
That. And you know it.
YWBTA.
YTA. If you can afford food, don’t use a food bank that likely has limited resources for people that cannot afford food.
idk what country you’re in but where i am you need to provide proof you need to use the food bank anyway. if you’re struggling to eat properly then by all means use it, but if not then i’d leave it for those who are, because they are many. a solution could be volunteering at the food bank for a time and finding out more about how much stock they have and who’s entitled to use it, then you’ll know if you’re comfortable using it or not.
Every food bank I have been to I had to register for, and during that process they will approve you. If you get approved than you are entitled to it. This is actually what its for. I live in canada. I genuinely do not believe that would be unethical
I think you know the answer. Wanting to cut back is different than needing to cut back. YWBTA
I volunteered at a food bank earlier this year. There was a guy that came in with shoes that were mostly duct tape and he told me how excited he was to eat.
I wouldn’t do it unless you really need to.
Food banks are not like grocery stores, you do not go shopping & pick what you want, at food banks. They have limited options for foods. You can always go to Dollar stores, or other discount stores, most sell food items as well.
Yes to your last sentence. I think the way you worded this entire post confirms that’s what’s happening. YWBTA. Food banks have very limited resources and it doesn’t sound like you truly need them. You taking food from a food bank (or as you put it, *shopping* and *taking advantage*), is directly taking food from people who are actually in need.
Human who works in food system here. OP, based on your description, it doesn‘t sound like you’re the intended patron for most food banks. Our patrons are getting their food from my organization because they’re having to choose between food and utility bills or rent or medicine otherwise — not because they’re low on discretionary funds. And I’m not sure what thrifting has to do with this.
Discomfort and danger are not the same. YWBTA
I think you should volunteer at this food bank before you decide whether to use it or not.
YTA – you’re not struggling. You’re just feeling “uncomfirtable” because you have less than you usually do but you can afford to feed yourself.
The food bank is for people in genuine need – that is not you.
Life happens, financial stress happens but if we can feed ourselves the food bank isn’t for us.
You literally are not in need but want to feel better – go to a therapist and leave the food bank to folks (and their kids) who’d go hungry without it.
YTA By your own admission you make more money than most and are not in a financial crisis. Cutting back on discretionary spending when faced with unexpected bills is being a responsible adult. There are way too many people out there who don’t know where their next meal is coming from, whose SNAP benefits have been cut or reduced, and/or are in a financial crisis. Those are the people you’d be taking from by shopping at the food bank.