Lewisham Foodbank gets chocolate donations after complaints

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.  

A spokesperson for the foodbank, based in Forest Hill, said: “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. 

>> See related: Lewisham Foodbank responds to criticism over 'treats'

“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 ‘n veg to households as well. 

“Thank you for your feedback which we have taken on board. 

“And thanks for your continued support.” 

In April I needed a food parcel, first time in my life. I was distraught & embarrased.
I was ashamed in front of my wife & deeply depressed.
In amongst the pasta & apples there were some CHOCOLATE BISCUITS. We sat with a cuppa, shared them & talked for the first time in months.

— Isolation Panel (@WallNoise) June 25, 2020

Highlighting the post, Lewisham Central Councillor Aisling Gallagher said: “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.” 

Cllr Gallagher went on to donate £100 worth of chocolate to the foodbank. 

just sent £100 worth of chocolate to the foodbank and if you can afford it, maybe you should do the same https://t.co/pgofzFqhbb

— Aisling Gallagher (join a union) (@twoshadesofhope) June 25, 2020

Others followed suit, urging the charity to “spend it on as many crisps and ice pops and biscuits as you can”. 

Hello. I’ve just donated £20. Spend it on as many crisps and ice pops and biscuits as you can xx

— Sociambles Distancing (@ShamblesAndFuss) June 25, 2020

Hello. I’ve just donated £20. Spend it on as many crisps and ice pops and biscuits as you can xx

— Sociambles Distancing (@ShamblesAndFuss) June 25, 2020

Most 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?” 

One said: “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.” 

One said: “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.”