Feeding the hungry - on Easter Sunday

So, The Mail on Sunday had an article where one of their journalists went undercover to demonstrate how easy it is to get a voucher for a Foodbank parcel. As they put it, "No ID, no checks...and vouchers for sob stories."

Well, I was going to comment that I don't think the editors perhaps realise how humiliating, degrading and embarrassing it is for those who go seeking help, because they cannot afford to feed their families. Yes,. there may be people who will abuse the system, as there are people who will abuse any system, but given the information the journalist gave the people at the foodbank, it would appear the foodbank volunteer made a judgement call based on experience of dealing with others looking for parcels and, more importantly, IMHO, compassion. Compassion - now, why would a Christian charity have that for the poor and the needy?

It's the apparent upshot of the Mail on Sunday's article I find amazing. By all accounts there was a surge of donations to the Trussel Trust's Easter appeal - £19,000 given yesterday. And the comments people who have donated as a result of the Mail's article are 'interesting.' Perhaps the Trussel Trust should be thanking The Mail on Sunday for highlighting the need for foodbanks once more, especially on Easter Sunday!

Foodbanks - why we should be proud and ashamed

A few weeks ago, I was visiting the shop where Every little helps. At the time, the local foodbank was there, inviting people to donate some non-perishable food for the bank. Now, this is where my rants come in.

The supermarket allowed the foodbank to do this. It is, after all, great publicity. Though all the food is donated by members of the public, I suspect a spin will be put on it, which will benefit them. At least, these days, they also donate 30% of the value of the donations to the foodbank, so they don't make a profit from the donations.

How very generous. So, that gives an indication of their profit margin and only comes on the back of criticism levelled at them from members of the public (including my Mum) who realised they were taking the credit for the donations, where they had not made them and had the added bonus of making money too.

Then, there is the attitude of those making the donations. I know, maybe I shouldn't have a go, but I will. Why is it so much of what I have seen being donated is from stores value range? Now, don't get me wrong, there are some value products which are just as good as others - a tin of tomatoes is pretty much the same. But I get the impression there's an element of thinking 'they should be grateful for what they get.'

I am quite sure those who receive a food parcel are very grateful. But, consider this. They will have been embarrassed, humiliated and degraded by having to have gone cap-in-hand for it. Surely getting some nice stuff would be a bit less humiliating and not kicking someone when they are down? Or maybe it would be nice for the parents to be able to give their children a wee treat just for the three days while they get themselves back on their feet?

And lastly, for now. Most foodbanks are heavily supported by churches - through volunteers, driving their set-up, looking for funding, providing premises, etc, etc. It's where the church should be. And it's sharing the good news in actions of love and generosity, not preaching. But, we as the seventh wealthiest nation in the world should be ashamed people cannot afford to feed themselves.