I'm 24 just moved out on my own, no kids. And I work 2 jobs to pay rent and bills. I've realized that I don't have enough food to live off of to keep me well nourished. I called a food bank and they say i can donate some hours for 15 lbs of free food. I definately dont look homeless, or act like im poor, i even dress simple, clean and seem like someone with their stuff together but I really need food and Im willing to work for it. Is this ok for me? Currently I'm living off $80 a month for food. Thats $20 a week which mainly goes to pastas and rice, but no veggies, fruits, etc. Please let me know if there are other ways or if I shouldn't be ashamed.
2007-09-20 18:40:25 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
you are working for it... so no its fine.. and you actually need it.. some people just sit around on their a** and just lap up all the free food they get. If you are honest and working and need some help then its fine.. and you are basically working for it.. jsut being paid in food instead of money. you could also try for state benefits for low income.. they will sometimes give you food benefits that you can use at the store to buy food
2007-09-20 18:46:42 · answer #1 · answered by amandica82 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think a lot of food bank programs in the states operate in a similar way, i.e. recipients must "give back" to their community in the form of volunteer hours. So it just seems par for the course. You should definitely not be ashamed--I am actually very proud of you for hinting at "guilty" feelings for using this service, even though you are certainly entitled to the service, for as you say "I really need food and I'm willing to work for it." I think a lot of people would be angry that they have to volunteer to access the food bank's services, and would do their hours grudgingly. But you haven't thought twice about doing these hours, on top of your 2 other jobs--quite the opposite, you've questioned whether you're "deserving" or not. So NO, NO you have absolutely no reason to be ashamed! you should actually feel quite proud of your responsible attitude and your willingness to contribute or "give back" to your community.
And don't worry, you WILL soon get better jobs and will gradually find your footing in this crazy world. It won't be long before you can afford decent meals without resorting to the food bank--and you sound like the type of person who might continue volunteering there regardless!
2007-09-21 02:48:53 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
NO! No one bit? A "low-person" as you've made it seem would expect to have to WORK, especially VOLUNTEER work and then that's just out of the question.
And just a reminder- bartering IS and actual system to trade work or goods in exchange for whatever work or goods you have that I need. I can understand your concern were it to be some church group you dint even know leaving canned goods on your porch, they would be trying from the heart, but I know what that feels like. And this is NOT that, you are volunteering labor someone else probably can't do and you're getting paid in what you need and they have. You should never feel ashamed when you are offering to pay yer way in labor. I wish you the best!
2007-09-21 02:07:54 · answer #3 · answered by wayeyerish 1 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I would say that it's very honorable. There are people who work at food banks just to steal the extra food, when they are not actually allowed to take any from the food bank. But if this food bank allows food in exchange for volunteer time, then you are helping others to eat and also helping to put food on your own table ... an honorable thing!
2007-09-24 17:16:00 · answer #4 · answered by JenV 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
It only makes you low if you can easily afford food without taking from the food bank, or if you take food that you don't need. If you can't afford to buy food then you cant. My aunt and uncle do the same thing becasue their budget is tight right now. The important thing is that you give reciprocate whether your giving is monetarial or you work it off.
2007-09-21 06:37:16 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
That doesn't make you a bad person in the slightest. It makes you a smart person; not only are you helping yourself, you're helping others. You need to do what you need to do in order to get by and if you're able to give back to others along the way, all the better. There's definitely no need to be ashamed.
2007-09-21 01:56:02 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
You're working for it. No need to be ashamed. I'm sure they need volunteers and you need food sounds like a fair deal to me. Never be ashamed when you need help, it sounds like you are doing everything right and are just trying to get on ur feet. Good luck to you.
2007-09-21 01:51:08 · answer #7 · answered by hippie_chick69love 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
You're working at a food bank and getting paid in food. You are not accepting unneeded charity or sponging off the state. What you are doing is admirable.
2007-09-21 01:51:53 · answer #8 · answered by Bethany 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
You are working for it so be proud.
As for your weekly food budget, work a deal with a local grocery where you can buy some of their leftover fresh fruits & vegetables at low price. I'm sure they will be happy to sell it rather than throw it away.
2007-09-21 06:11:56 · answer #9 · answered by mahawi61 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
What you plan to do is SO civilized and contributes so much to society! You should be proud, I don't even know you and I'm proud for you.
Working to help others, and then receiving help yourself is more than noble. Don't let anyone put you down for this, EVER. Don't ever compare yourself to the lazy slob who spends days on the sofa and expects others to take care of them and their children throughout their life. Three cheers for YOU!
2007-09-21 04:18:32 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋