Tories and food banks
Posted by Christie Malry on January 3, 2013 at 8:47 pm
The media just loves to bash those nasty Tories:
A SENIOR York politician has sparked a furious row by saying there is no real poverty in Britain and people should not donate to food banks.
Chris Steward, a Conservative councillor, said living standards had surged, that there was no need for food banks, that they were an insult to starving people around the world, and that donating to them allowed recipients to spend more money on alcohol and cigarettes.
But his comments have been condemned by political opponents and The Trussell Trust, which runs 275 banks nationwide.
Chris Mould, the charity’s executive chairman, said more than 10,000 professionals nationwide were referring people to food banks and said: “He is making totally inappropriate assertions which I challenge him to back up with proper evidence.”
"Food bank CEO argues that food banks are vital" shocker.
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@fcablog Yes but what do *you* think about it? Do you think the children of parents who haven't made the best choices should go hungry?
When supermarkets such as Aldi & Lidl exist which sell some food products very cheaply (even Tesco too), there is no real reason for people to go hungry - unless they are spending it on other things. If they are preferring to spend money on Sky and then make use of food banks then they are not prioritising properly and taking advantage of charity. Even if they are spending money on paying back loans they are not prioritising and should tell the creditor where to get off.
Look, you can survive on cheap veg, with the odd bit of meat, especially if you buy in bulk. Probably not varied, not exciting, but definitely will keep you alive. It's not the job of charity to allow people to have exciting meals.
While I don't like the idea of foodbanks being needed, they do seem to be needed. Strict limits on what can be had and how many times in most. Filling a gap, where benefits payments can be a day or few to sort out and where problems are occurring more and more. Sanctions for little things, sanctions for big things, and people with little.
I work for one of the organisations who refer people to a food bank. Far from ideal and wish there was no need.
I think there's a lot of truth in what Cllr Steward says. I know people who run a food bank and soup kitchen, and people who use it. It's surprising to see who does use them, especially as they are so often not those you would consider to be "in need". Conversely many who may actually need it,say some pensioners, would never consider using such a service.
So, yes I think these projects often subsidise people's life choices to spend on drink and drugs. However, can we in all conscience punish children for the sins of their parents? Discuss.
I don't personally agree with the councillor but he does raise a good point. It's one of the 'risks' of charity in general but that doesn't stop it from being a moral obligation upon us all. The lesson I take from his point is that just as housing waiting lists are an inevitable consequence of subsidised housing, so caution needs to be exercised when interpreting figures about how many people are using the facilities.
Yes, I agree with you. I am fully in favour of our moral (and Christian) duty to help feed the poor, as indeed we do at Harvest festival and at other times. But the councillor's points are worthy of consideration rather than the dreary beating every Tory gets, just for being an "evil Tory", when they wade into complex ethical areas.