I wrote this before, but apparently I didn't post it.

The wonderful new food pantry in town, here for only about a month, has been cut in half. They had eggs, joghurt, fresh vegetables, whole grain bread and cereals, cracker, baby food, frozen chicken and sausages and a host of other things.

There were long lines, and they did not limit people as to what they took. I saw people leaving with five, six cartons of  eggs, four or five bulging bags full of frozen meat, bags filled with crackers, etc.By the time I (and many others, say those standing in line after the first 15 people or so) were let in, there was practically nothing left.

Most of the people there looked as if they were in need. But there were others, like the teenaged girls in front of me, smoking cigarette after cigarette and talking about how they were going drinking that night. They were well dressed (well, as well dressed as teenaged girls are). 

I don't want to judge anyone without knowing their true circumstances, but it seems to me that people were grabbing whatever they could without any thought of those behind them, and no shame in walking out with all those bags. 

The elderly gentleman in front of me had a sick wife and was there because her medication left them with the choice between that and food and heat.

The folks running the pantry did not require any proof of income or need.

I am saddened that people will act this way in the face of needy people standing in line in the hot sun or rain.

Please correct me if my perceptions are off.

I see that long time ago I go when it is needed 3 times a year thats when the months so tight on money that I go to help cash flow other wise I rather not go and see this or I open my mouth and tell them to go home back to druggin or drinking I rather stay home and give it to some one that is worse off like my middle sister tight times for her so I give what I can for her and the little nieces..

Or when I was homless it helped alot because I do know what its like going flat out hungry no fun period hey good topic thanks for bringing this up hope we can talk more on this in the future...=)

You are not Wrong people abuse many things and are RUDE...

That's a shame, though I have to wonder why the pantry didn't let limits on what people could take out.

It happens all the time which is why they need rules and proof.  But even I see lots of low income people at our local food bank who apparently can afford to smoke at $10 a pk but not buy food. or eat at fast food places all the time. 

Sad situation at your food pantry. maybe they are naive or don't really care if it all disappears with the first few.

The 2 food banks that I have gone to last month and this month require your ID and you are only allowed 1 visit per month.  You have to say whether you are a single or a family and you get given a bag on that total.  The other food bank (the second one) is also only once a month but you can choose 10 items from a list and a loaf of bread too.  Second food bank is run by a church.  I have received a care package today from a girlfriend of mine along with a cheque for $50.  She told me it was an early birthday present.  My birthday is not until Sunday but she did not care.  Told me I mattered more than the correct date LOL.  Gotta love friends like that.

Sally.

Sally thats what cindy told me and she showed other pappers like medicare she is on . She goes only 3 times a year only when needed she said.. But what stories she told me oh gee if they can smoke then they can afford tuna cheese and bread and mayo with celery and a bit of onion that is a cheap version of poor mans sandwhich from a can I also do egg salad those people who smoke can afford eggs and bread and butter guess they are not that bad off.

Sallybabe56:

The 2 food banks that I have gone to last month and this month require your ID and you are only allowed 1 visit per month.  You have to say whether you are a single or a family and you get given a bag on that total.  The other food bank (the second one) is also only once a month but you can choose 10 items from a list and a loaf of bread too.  Second food bank is run by a church.  I have received a care package today from a girlfriend of mine along with a cheque for $50.  She told me it was an early birthday present.  My birthday is not until Sunday but she did not care.  Told me I mattered more than the correct date LOL.  Gotta love friends like that.

Sally.

You have a good friend there....=)

the food bank DH founded  here asks for Picture Id  current proof of address and proof of Income

we usually find out if someone playing the system we rule them out quickly an average of 600 family a week we dont have time for silliness .

 Sadly, the world is full of users/abusers.  They take all they can with no thought to their "neighbor" that needs help.  

It sounds like those running the food pantry are new at it and didn't realize the level of abuse that will take place.  Let's hope they will get strict guidelines in place.

A food pantry that I volunteered at prepacks the groceries for the recipients--that way it is a much more equitable distribution.  No perishables at this one though so the bags can be made up ahead of time.