Ashamed of using a Foodbank
4 answers /
Last post: 09/04/2023 at 6:05 pm
Next month I can see that we are just not going to be able to cope and My doctor has referred me to a foodbank.
I am very embarrassed about this and want to know what it will be like. I'm imagining being treated like a scrounger who can't manage her money. What actually happens when you get there? I won't be able to look anyone in the eye, do people know when you walk away-should I take some carrier bags? Will they have pet food?
I feel at rock bottom with this but I know I'm not alone in needing this help.
Take some carrier bags. Food banks do sometimes have them, but if you can use your own, use them.
Some food banks do stock pet food. If they don't, they may know where you can get some.
Don't worry about whether or not you can look other people in the eye. Everyone there will be in the same or at least a similar situation to you.
You won't be treated as a scrounger who can't manage their money, but the food bank may have resources available to help you get yourself into a better financial situation.
One of the big problems with a capitalist system, especially the free-market capitalism our current government favours, is that we are taught to see poverty as a personal failure, something to be ashamed of. This leads to a reluctance to seek help, as that means admitting to this perceived failure.
Poverty of any degree is not a failure of the person, but a failure of the system. Poverty is not the fault of the individual, but of a system that fails (and deliberately fails) to distribute available resources equitably.
Seeking help where it is needed is not something you should feel ashamed of.
Hi, you will be fine, nothing to be ashamed of at all especially in this cost of living crisis
ive seen people in nurses uniform and professional work clothes use food banks, this financial decline is affecting most ppl
staff are usually really friendly, bring your own bags and they will ask you about what sort of things you eat and what you need ect, you will be absolutely fine
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Please do not be ashamed at all x