People have donated crisps, chocolate and money to Lewisham Foodbank after complaints it was giving out treats.
The charity, which helps families in need when they can’t afford food, received a huge outpouring of support after tweeting that some followers “raised concern” about putting crisps and chocolate on its shopping list.
Some followers have raised concern about us putting certain items on our shopping lists (eg crisps & chocolate). Let me clarify – whilst we agree that they are of little nutritional value, we also believe in blessing our clients with a treat from time to time. (1 of 2)
— Lewisham Foodbank (@lewishamfood) June 25, 2020
A spokesperson for the food bank, which based in Forest Hill, said on Twitter: “Some followers have raised concern about us putting certain items on our shopping lists, eg, crisps and chocolate. Let me clarify – whilst we agree that they are of little nutritional value, we also believe in blessing our clients with a treat from time to time.
“It’s up to you to choose from our shopping lists to donate. And don’t forget we also give a large bag of fruit and veg to households as well. Thank you for your feedback which we have taken on board. And thanks for your continued support.”
the fact they had to tweet this fills me with shame & frustration. ever eaten something nice just because you wanted to?! for god’s sake, everyone deserves to eat nice things, no matter how little money they have. https://t.co/Wc72ZPNI8C
— Aisling Gallagher (join a union) (@twoshadesofhope) June 25, 2020
Lewisham Central councillor Aisling Gallagher responded: “The fact they had to tweet this fills me with shame and frustration. Ever eaten something nice just because you wanted to?! For god’s sake, everyone deserves to eat nice things, no matter how little money they have.”
Gallagher went on to donate £100 worth of chocolate to the foodbank. Others followed suit, urging the charity to “spend it on as many crisps and ice pops and biscuits as you can”.
Other respondents were shocked people would complain about it in the first place.
One said: “Imagine resenting a child getting some chocolate.”
Another said: “Yeah, God forbid anyone who is poor should have a moment of a normal life. If you could also put them in the workhouse and feed them gruel, that would teach them not to be poor, right?”
Other comments included: “People need to stop moaning, if I want to put a bar of chocolate in the local food bank, to attempt to make someone’s life a bit less shitty, I will.”
“Imagine this being of concern to constituents rather than the actual existence of child poverty and food banks in the sixth richest country in the world,” said another.
You can find out how to donate food or money to local food banks by visiting the websites for Lewisham, Greenwich and Bexley.
Grainne Cuffe is the Local Democracy Reporter for Lewisham. The Local Democracy Reporter Service is a BBC-funded initiative to ensure councils are covered properly in local media.
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