'Don't be discouraged from donating food,' says Fleetwood community leader after mum's controversial buy-and-sell posts

Earlier this week, one post by a Fleetwood mum offered to sell jars of jam and Aldi sauces, apparently donated to her by Fleetwood Together's food bank programme, on public Facebook buy-and-sell groups.

She asked for £5 for four jars of jam, which retail at 28p, and £5 for three sauce jars from Aldi, sparking outrage online. She claimed she needed the money to pay bills.

But Shaun MacNeill, secretary of the West View Community Association and one of the organisers behind Fleetwood Together, said the issue had "been resolved."

The Facebook posts prompted members of the public to offer to send money, and some were concerned the posts would discourage people from donating food.

One person said: "This is the lowest of the low. These are free items from a food bank and you decide to sell them on, why would you do that when you could give them to the good people who go out feeding the homeless?"

Another person added: "Selling free donations from the food bank for more than they're worth is disgusting. There are people who rely on this. So you obviously have a full stomach but need money for bills? Think about people who need this and go days without food. Give it back."

In response to the anger, the mum told them she wouldn't give the food back to the food bank because she was "trying to get money to pay bills off."

However, some commenters were concerned for the woman's welfare, and even offered to send her money directly.

One person said: "If you are genuinely struggling for your child's Christmas, then give me a message. I wouldn't like to see anyone struggle at this time of year, give these to someone in need and there are a lot of good people that will be willing to help you."

Another person offered: "If you are really struggling for the money please inbox me, I'd be happy to send you £5 and would like you to keep the food, or send back to the food bank. Here to help if you need it."

Mr MacNeill urged the public not to send money to someone they did not know, and that Fleetwood Together would always work with individuals to understand their situations and requirements.

He also wanted to reassure the public that selling donations for profit was a "very rare occurrence," and there were over 600 households in Wyre who benefit from food donations every week.

"We've resolved this issue and we want to stress that we always try to speak to anyone who isn't happy with anything they're given directly, so we'd rather she had reached out first," Shaun said.

"The last thing I want is for anyone to be discouraged about donating food. Hundreds of families every week benefit from it.

"We are never judgemental when it comes to offering help, and we have people from all walks of life calling us to explain their situation, especially during the pandemic.

"At the Marine Hall, where we organise deliveries of food hampers, we've been spending around £2,000 a week on food at peak times.

"This food goes to over 600 households, around 1500 individuals, every single week.

"People trying to sell the food isn't happening on a regular basis, but it does cost us when it happens."

Mr MacNeill said there was no "typical" person who uses Fleetwood Together's food initiative, as the coronavirus pandemic had resulted in hundreds of people reaching out for help.

He continued: "There is a myth that the benefits system is generous, but it isn't.

"There are also people struggling with their health, people who have lost their jobs, and people who are out of work at the moment.

"We will help anyone who comes to us, and we know that just giving out food isn't the answer in the long term.

"Next week for Christmas, everyone will get two weeks-worth of food, but we also have toys, toiletries, and if anyone needs anything specifically we will try to help.

"We want to get people involved with support as well."

If you want to become a volunteer with Fleetwood Together, or have items to donate to families in need this Christmas, call Shaun on 07889 133445.