[user104658]

Originally Posted by Kazanne

Let's get real here,it's true,a lot of people don't budget wisely,not all,but some,some people who use food banks have all the luxuries in life except food ? Are we supposed to believe that when they have smartphones,video consoles TVs,they smoke ,and drink you can get food if you shop wisely and stop all the takeaways ,food banks should be for the really needy,not for the lazy sods who can't be bothered to shop around or even shop . This post will be met with some distain but it's true .

It will be met with disdain because its utter rot, Kazanne. Of course there are always people who will abuse a system but it is a TINY percentage and the judgemental "well they have x, y, z" comments are just nonsense.

Phones are not a luxury item in 2019,they are an essential. They are the cheapest way to access the Internet and having Internet / email is needed for benefits, jobseeking, all sorts of basics. Also suggesting that people - often people with kids - shouldn't have a TV or games console is just nonsense. They are basically the CHEAPEST form of entertainment for people who can't afford things like classes, theatre, cinema etc. so are they meant to just stare at the walls? When their lives are already miserable?

As for alcohol and tobacco, again, these are things people are hooked on because they are poor and unhappy. It's so short-sighted to say they should just stop and use the money for food .

The only thing I could just about get on board with is takeaways... They can be a huge money-sink even for those of us who can afford them... But honestly, I highly doubt many people using food banks are having a weekly Domino's on the side.