Do you think food banks create dependency?

1. 91

   Gina Welds-Hulseposted 7 years ago

   Do you think food banks create dependency?

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2. 95

   lions44posted 7 years ago

   I was surprised to learn that folks I used to work with have to use them occasionally; especially at Christmas. It was sad to hear.  So I think they serve a vital purpose.  Yes, a lot of people make bad choices but life happens to a lot of folks.   We have tons of food. 
   
   There's one in town where I live and the line can be long.  I can't imagine anyone actually wanting to be there. 
   
   Great question.  It will be interesting to hear others' replies.

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3. 75

   Ken Burgessposted 7 years ago

   I think its criminal that our society allows stores to throw away so much produce and food stock, rather than donate it to food banks. 
   
   It is more often than not the policy of Grocery stores to toss food into a dumpster rather than donate it.  I was told once when I asked about this it had something to do with liability... its a damned shame. 
   
   Our nation wastes more food than all the rest of the world combined.  Instead of making laws that put suppliers of food at risk, we should be making laws that require them to donate all food they no longer want on their shelves to food banks, free of any liability.

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   1. 91

      Gina Welds-Hulseposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      France recently passed a Food Waste Law.  Do you think the USA will ever pass a law like that?

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      Ken Burgessposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Not as we are now, that would not benefit big business, and it is Corporations, Wall St., and Billionaires that the politicians are taking their orders from... it has been a long while since Washington was doing what was best for Americans.

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4. 84

   tsmogposted 7 years ago

   No. Food banks meet a growing need especially the elderly on very fixed incomes.

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5. 91

   Gina Welds-Hulseposted 7 years ago

   This is an addendum question in response to Ken's response:
   America has no Food Waste Law so tons and tons of food are thrown out.  Do you think this has contributed to the dumpster-diving, or do you think dumpster-diving for food will happen anyway?
   What about restaurants?  If there were a food waste law, should restaurants be included in that?

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   1. 75

      Ken Burgessposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Restaurants are more difficult, it is not the same as throwing away 50 loafs of bread just because they have reached a determined expiration date, or throwing away boxes of bananas because they are browning.

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6. 81

   Dana Tateposted 7 years ago

   I have helped out at food banks and I can tell you that it servers a purpose.  God bless America that has many programs to help the homeless eat. And to be honest the food that we give out at the food banks are not anything that people who truly did not need food would stand in line for.

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   1. 91

      Gina Welds-Hulseposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Food bank or soup kitchen? I disagree with the latter part. I have visited a few banks, and what I have seen given to those who visit is  literally just short of going grocery shopping......meats, rice, veggies, drinks, breads...I was amazed.

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7. 86

   bravewarriorposted 7 years ago

   I don't think food banks create dependency. They are there for the unfortunate to help them through hard times. However, I also think there are people who take advantage of them and other facilities that reach out to the down-trodden. Some people don't want to help themselves out of a rut and will take helping hands for granted.
   
   So many of our homeless or desperately poor have a back story that will amaze you. Bad things happen to good people. It's for those that I'm thankful there are organizations that are willing to give them a helping hand until they can get back on their feet.
   
   So, no I don't think food banks create dependency. Individual mindsets create dependency.

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   1. 81

      Dana Tateposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Amen! You said it correctly.

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