25/06/2026
In response to the anonymous post circulating earlier today, we are sharing the following factual clarification.
We are posting this on our own page so the community can see the full context, free from misinformation and hostility.
1. Why We Are Posting This Here
The original post was made anonymously in a separate community group, without speaking to volunteers, without raising concerns directly, and without tagging the foodbank.
These actions do not reflect genuine concern — they reflect an intention to cause reputational harm without accountability.
We are responding on our own page so that our volunteers, donors, and service users can see the facts clearly, without the noise, hostility, or misinformation that often spreads in comment threads we do not control.
2. Pet Policy
For hygiene and safety, all pets — including volunteers’ own pets — are strictly prohibited from entering the food sorting and storage areas.
Service users who rely on assistance dogs are supported, and all animals must remain either at the designated pet table near the entrance or in the entrance area itself.
Monty, the dog referred to in the anonymous post, is always on a lead and secured at the pet table during sessions. This ensures full compliance with hygiene requirements while still allowing vulnerable service users to access support safely.
Any food that an animal touches is immediately removed and disposed of — no item that has been in a pet’s mouth is ever given to service users.
3. Isolated Sorting Issue (Already Resolved)
On Monday we supported 80 adults and 50 children — the highest number we have ever seen. During such extreme demand, a single carrot may have been misplaced. We have already tightened floor procedures and added dedicated recycling bins to reduce the chance of human error during busy sessions.
4. “Favouritism” and “Judging by Looks”
These claims are completely false.
We do not judge anyone by appearance. We never have. We never will.
We also do not make any judgements based on whether someone is known to us or not — the only question we ask is household size, because that is the only information we are permitted to use.
A crisis food bank is not a supermarket. We operate on a limited charity budget and rely on honesty from service users when they tell us how many people they are feeding and what their circumstances are. We are not permitted to check financial records or benefits information — we can only ask the questions we are allowed to ask.
A single person with no money is just as entitled to support as a family. The only difference is the quantity of food required, not the value placed on the individual.
5. Donors
We are disappointed to see donors being criticised. Our donors give generously and in good faith to support vulnerable people in our community. Attacking them publicly is unfair and misdirected.
6. Volunteer Support and Conduct
Our volunteers regularly face verbal abuse and hostility from a very small number of individuals. These incidents are well documented and place emotional strain on people who give up their own time, fuel, and energy to support the community.
Alongside the physical work, volunteers also provide significant emotional support to service users in crisis — listening to difficult situations, offering reassurance, and sometimes simply being a calm, kind presence when someone is overwhelmed. We are not social workers, yet we do our best to offer compassion, dignity, and humanity to everyone who walks through the door.
In rare cases, volunteers may allow an early uplift when a service user is in clear emotional distress or crisis. This is not favouritism — it is a safeguarding decision made to protect someone’s wellbeing. These situations are handled quietly, respectfully, and only when absolutely necessary.
7. Fresh Food Quality & Stock Rotation
All fresh produce is sorted before sessions, and any item that is bruised, spoiled, or not fit for eating is removed and disposed of. We carry out weekly date checks on all incoming items, and all dried, chilled, and frozen stock is rotated so that new items are always placed at the back. After sorting, service users choose their own fresh items from the good‑quality produce available. Tinned, frozen, and dairy items are checked for dates and condition and prioritised for vulnerable individuals and families.
Anyone in genuine need is always welcome here, and will be supported with fairness and respect.
A screenshot of the anonymous post has been added in the first comment for transparency.
