I don’t receive benefits, but I help myself with donated food – people complain that I’m stealing from the poor, but it saves me money

The cost of living crisis means more and more families are facing tough times.

Unfortunately, many have been forced to turn to food banks and community refrigerators, where residents and local businesses share and access local food and donations, to survive.

Including Catherine Lofthouse, 43, mother of three, from Loughborough, Leics. – who does not need.

As a freelance writer, she doesn’t know her exact salary as it varies, but admitted she wasn’t at the poverty line and didn’t receive benefits.

But she controversially said that she liked receiving food “as a gift”.

“I send my kids to school with free lunches – people think I’m stealing food from families in need, but that’s why they’re wrong,” she says.

I’ve even had people complain that I’m taking food from those who need it most.

Catherine

Now she tells her story to Fabulous – and it’s sure to cause controversy:

When my four-, nine- and 11-year-old boys open their lunch boxes at school every day, they never know what they might find inside.

That’s because instead of heading to the grocery store with a list like other moms, I often simply head to my local community fridge to see what they’re giving away for free.

Then I use everything I receive to make lunches for school and save a fortune to feed the children.

I think there’s this idea that giving out free food should only be to low-income families who struggle with the cost of living. I’ve even had people complain that I’m taking food from those who need it most.

But in my town, in Leicestershire, we have a very active community fridge that is open every day of the week at lunchtime and gives out food to anyone who comes along.

The aim is to reduce the amount sent to landfill by supermarkets.

If the product is at its expiration date or the packaging is damaged, they will send it to the community refrigerator to be distributed to those who would prefer to see it fill their bellies and not go to landfill.

It’s a big win for everyone, as it’s saving the planet and my wallet.

On a good week, if there’s a lot of food left over, I probably cut about £15 off my supermarket bill and that’s the money I’ll use to keep the boys busy over the summer holidays when costs rise quickly.

People said she’s pinching from the poor

This week, I got bagels, baguettes, eggs, tomatoes, apples, peppers, hash browns, and candy.

I’m going to boil a large batch of eggs and use them as a sandwich filling with a little mayonnaise. Split up the snacks and fresh stuff and I’ll have enough to make packed lunches for the week.

We also have a brilliant social supermarket here where I can shop for around a tenner, often buying packs of meat, veg and desserts like cheesecake or pancakes.

Again, you never know what you’re going to get, but it’s another place that’s untested in terms of features.

The money raised from selling food at very low prices goes back to the center where the supermarket operates, which offers activities such as yoga, crafts and cooking for free.

I think anyone who turns their nose up at what I’m doing or labels people as cheats needs to think again

Catherine

If I can spend less, save food from going to waste, and help support free sessions for people who need them, what’s not to love about that?

I think anyone who turns their nose up at what I’m doing or labels people as cheats needs to think again. I wouldn’t go to a food bank for help as that isn’t aimed at people in my current position.

But if there are places like the social supermarket or the community fridge that want people from all walks of life to be part of the solution to food waste, I’m ready for it.

My boys love it when they find snacks and treats in their lunch boxes that I would never buy at full price

Catherine

My boys love it when they find snacks and treats in their lunchboxes that I would never buy at full price.

It encourages them to try new things and I won’t be left missing out if they don’t eat what they are given since I didn’t pay for it in the first place.

I realize there are a lot of people who are struggling and need free food more than I do.

That’s why I always follow up later in opening times, to give others a chance to get what they need first.

It’s forever toast food for my family

Catherine

When the communal fridge opens at 1pm, there are often a handful of people waiting, so I hold back until everyone has filled their bags before it’s my turn.

You can also go every lunch if you need to, but I usually only go when I’m passing through during opening hours, which rarely happens more than once a week.

I also try not to take canned goods that last longer than fresh produce, in case someone comes up behind me.

As long as my family is healthy and fed, I don’t think it matters much where the food comes from or if it’s past its expiration date.

It’s forever freebie food for my family!

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