Ahhh there it is! Undeniable proof that the food-bank is not addressing a pressing need! (Starvation/hunger)
People who are truly hungry or starving do not turn down food.
Back when Ohio was still run by the Republicans we had an event held in our county by some politician(D) addressing "the worst economy in 50 years"(2005) by holding a food bank. Local news covered the event and interviewed people in line (hundreds showed up in a town of 6000). There was a speech on how the Republicans have ruined the economy etc.
I went to this event because it was just a few blocks from where I live and work.(Not to get in line but to observe.) I was curious to see who was in line. To my surprise many people I know and grew up with were in this line and most interesting was everyone I knew in that line (I counted about 35 I knew in all) was a member of a union. Teachers/School Employees Union, Trades Unions (plumbers, electricians, etc.) Coal Miners, Government Workers, etc.
All had nice homes, nice cars and were employed at the time(employment was at that disastrous number of around 6% at the time and they were standing in line for free food.
I noticed also that most of the folks I didn't know were dressed well and when they left the event they got into late model cars.
I've always wondered what possessed them all to get into line and if the same event was held today (now that Democrats are in charge of our district and State) that those same people (many of which don't have jobs anymore) would get in line.
Many of the people who pick up donated food do not truly need it. Many throw away what is given to them because it isn't the kind of food they wanted.
But......there are some who truly need and appreciate the food.
The food banks I know of are year round operations. With a director, office staff, warehouseman, volunteers.
Some of the things I saw there were very eye opening.
I mentioned it before, but worth repeating..the amount of food that was thrown away at the dump because no one wanted it was massive.
Plus the funny accounting that went on to give the director a big paycheck.
And the under reporting of food in warehouse, so they could receive government money to buy more food and to of course have money for bigger paychecks.
Sad, all of it. Good idea, but left alone to run amok.
I think long and hard before I donate a dime to any non-profit.
Many non-profits are run badly. And many times the accounting they show you is bogus. I have seen it myself many times.
Check very well before you donate FReepers.