A man who received a free food hamper from a charity has faced widespread criticism after taking to social media to complain that the package did not include the items he wanted.
The man posted his complaint to a local community group after collecting the donated groceries from Echuca Neighbourhood House, a non-profit organisation in northern Victoria.
The volunteer-run charity operates two community hubs, a food bank and a mobile food service.
‘This is not help,’ the man wrote in his post.
‘I know they do their best with limited resources, but I specifically did not request these items because I don’t use or eat them.
‘They piled half a bag with things I did not want.’
A photograph of the hamper showed fresh fruit, canned tuna, long-life milk and Up and Go breakfast drinks inside the shopping bag.
The donation also included deodorant, soap, a razor, shaving cream, a toothbrush, sunscreen, shampoo and conditioner.
A man criticised a free food hamper (above) from Echuca Neighbourhood House after claiming it contained items he had ‘specifically not requested’
The recipient shared his criticism of the donated goods (above) in a local community group
The post drew more than 1,000 responses from locals, many of whom accused the man of publicly shaming a charity that had tried to support him.
‘Imagine complaining about free donations because they are not exactly what you wanted. There is a difference between raising a legitimate concern and publicly criticising people who are trying to help,’ one person wrote.
‘The simple solution is to hand it back or pass it on. You received something for nothing and still want to complain?’ another commented.
‘Shame on you! What exactly did you request? Oh my. Just be thankful,’ a third person added.
‘Wow, beggars can’t be choosers. If you were hungry, you would eat it,’ another wrote.
‘Did you mean to say “thank you”?’ another person asked.
Sarah Peake, manager of Echuca Neighbourhood House, told Our News Outlet that the charity works to provide recipients with the assistance they need.
‘Food relief is not a one-size-fits-all service,’ she said.
More than 1,000 locals condemned the man as ‘ungrateful’ and praised the charity’s food bank services (above)
‘Every person’s circumstances are different, and our role is to provide practical support that meets their needs as closely as possible with the resources available to us.
‘We are here to help people, not judge their circumstances, and we take pride in tailoring our hampers to each individual wherever possible.’
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Ms Peake, who has worked with the charity for almost 11 years, said she was ‘incredibly proud of the work our team does for our community’.
Although the organisation tries to customise each hamper, she said fulfilling every request can be difficult because the service depends on donated goods.
‘I understand that people have different experiences with food relief services, and feedback is always welcome,’ Ms Peake said.
‘However, I am proud of our approach. My focus remains on the people we support and the work we do every day.’
Echuca Neighbourhood House works with organisations including Foodbank Victoria and SecondBite to assemble ready-made food hampers.
The hampers are available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, with ‘no prior orders required’. The charity also regularly serves hot meals for $2 per portion.
Echuca Neighbourhood House (above) provides food hampers and regularly serves $2 hot meals to people experiencing food insecurity
‘If you are experiencing difficulties, distress or are in an emergency situation, please call us to see how we can assist you,’ the organisation’s website states.
‘Donations are appreciated to help sustain this service.’
Other recipients have praised the organisation in reviews posted to Google.
‘Absolutely the best food bank I have been to. There can be a bit of a wait, but it is well worth it. The staff are friendly and kind, and it is a great environment all round,’ one person wrote.
‘Great place to help you with a food parcel,’ another said.
‘Wonderful, caring people. Exactly what this town needs,’ a third reviewer wrote.
Ms Peake said she was moved by the supportive comments posted in response to the man’s complaint.
‘The response from our community has been incredibly humbling,’ she said.
‘The messages of support have reinforced just how much people value the services provided by ENH and the many community organisations working hard to support those doing it tough.
‘Ultimately, we want people to feel supported, respected and welcome when they access our services.
‘We will continue doing our best to provide practical assistance and find new ways to support our local and surrounding communities.’
Our News Outlet has contacted the charity recipient for comment.
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