Hopelessly Broken Posted September 20, 2015 Share Posted September 20, 2015 So, this has been the third time the food bank has given me food that is well and truly expired, and I wish I had of just spent my very little money at the grocery store instead. Isn't it lovely when you go to a place like this, hoping they will help, and feeling fine that you spent significantly less on food there than if you had of gone to a grocery store, only to find that 98% of it is out of date and inedible. What a waste of money, and a complete self esteem crusher. Why are these places allowed to do this? I mean, for real, they are providing to financially disadvantaged pensioners and veterans. WTF. Has this ever happened to you? I have spoken to the head lady there (and at other food banks that this has happened) and all she could say was pretty much, oh well, you get what you get. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crtclms Posted September 20, 2015 Share Posted September 20, 2015 The dates on canned foods are pretty much suggestions. Sometimes I'll find a can that is 5 years past its date, and I throw it out. But a couple of years doesn't bother me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hopelessly Broken Posted September 20, 2015 Author Share Posted September 20, 2015 It clearly smelled funny, though, and even though it was frozen, part of the packaging was open. I took that as a not safe to eat sign. The bread was stale. All the fruit and vegetables had bruises on them. I think that is more than enough to say "not edible". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melissaw72 Posted September 20, 2015 Share Posted September 20, 2015 If you go there again, can you check the food before you leave? Like for expiration dates, bruised fruit etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hopelessly Broken Posted September 20, 2015 Author Share Posted September 20, 2015 No. They make you wait outside/in a line, and you aren't allowed to see what they have behind the area you're allowed to be in, or what they give you, until they give it to you, after you pay. It's the same for every food bank around here. It's why I do my best to not use them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melissaw72 Posted September 20, 2015 Share Posted September 20, 2015 That really sucks. I can see why you try to avoid them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heilmania Posted September 20, 2015 Share Posted September 20, 2015 I looked up expiration date laws one time, and I know that in Pennsylvania, it's totally legal to sell expired products, which blows my mind. I can't believe your food bank would do that to you! That is truly appalling. Like yeah, let's fuck over people in need. I'd assume this place is a nonprofit? If so, you can totally threaten to make their funders aware. A lot of times, they list them on their website (most funders like to be listed). They don't have to disclose, though, as there is a law protecting nonprofits from having other nonprofits steal their funders. Anyway, a call to their executive director or board chair will put the fear in them, which they clearly need! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melissaw72 Posted September 20, 2015 Share Posted September 20, 2015 ^^Actually, writing a letter to an executive might get you somewhere also ... lots of people don't like paper trails. If you do, make sure to make a copy for yourself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crtclms Posted September 20, 2015 Share Posted September 20, 2015 I miss Angel Ministries. They were really helpful. You were told what was going to be in your box, and you could get extra stuff. It cost $35 for a month of food for 4. We didn't use all of it, because, for instance, fish sticks make us hurl. But there were meat and vegetables and dried goods, shelf stable milk, even a dessert or two. Although I guess you can see why they went out of business. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Southern Discomfort Posted September 20, 2015 Share Posted September 20, 2015 I learnt a trick you can do with stale bread, that is to microwave it. It should freshen it up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hopelessly Broken Posted September 20, 2015 Author Share Posted September 20, 2015 It's fine. I just won't go to any food bank again. I don't have a microwave, but thanks for the idea with bread, if I ever get one, I will try it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hopelessly Broken Posted September 20, 2015 Author Share Posted September 20, 2015 This was run by a church. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
water Posted September 20, 2015 Share Posted September 20, 2015 (edited) So, this has been the third time the food bank has given me food that is well and truly expired,This is completely and totally unacceptable. I am very involved in our local food pantry and the food we give the clients we treat the same as the food we put on our plates. I pickup food, deliver, help out in every way possible. Expired cans, produce, frozen goods, are all thrown out. Even melted candy bars. It's amazing how many people put expired food in the bin at our grocery store. I'm sorry you were treated like that. It is hard enough getting the courage to get the food in the first place and then to be treated as if you should say thank you for old and rotten food? Despicable. Edited September 20, 2015 by water spelling, grammar Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hopelessly Broken Posted September 20, 2015 Author Share Posted September 20, 2015 Yeah. Even worse to have to spend almost 3 hours in the bathroom vomiting and....... IBS because I ate one thing. I have literally starved all weekend besides that. Oh well. I have a very small amount of money left so if my support worker comes I will make do with that until my next pay at the grocery store. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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