Last time I visited this particular food bank, one of the volunteers publically humiliated ( I selected too much food ). When I called to complain about this, none of the other volunteers would stand up for what happened. So, I never went back.

Fast forward a year later, with bills overwhelming me, I have no choice but to utilize food banks. This bank in particular has a large assortment of food and then you get a free roll of toilet paper, toothpaste and other various toiletries.

I made an appointment for tomorrow. Today, I am depressed and anxious about tomorrow. Wringing my hands.

This morning I focused upon making collages and other self soothing activities and nothing is working. Practicing on my grounding skills is proving very difficult so far.

Wish me luck tomorrow... gulp

I've been tearing out pictures from magazines all day today and arranging them on poster boards and I have to say, I am surprised of the intensity of the emotions I am feeling (that I can't feel).

I think I am going to start a picture journal. I have an oversized sketchbook and will transfer much of what I put on the poster boards today into the sketchbook and write about what I see, surrounding the pictures. Then take that in with me when I see my therapist. I got this idea from a movie I saw last night.

Now, I am starting to feel sleepy.

[(JD)]

I'm really sorry that you were treated that way, and that it's prevented you from returning until now.

Why not, when you first go in, ask if there are "any limits or guidelines, as [you] might have need of more things in one area than another?"

As one who gives to charity often and abundantly, I want those who need to get... if there weren't people needing, like you, then I wouldn't have the pleasure and reward of giving. If it weren't for you, those people wouldn't have an opportunity to volunteer, or if paid, have a job. Some people forget about the process.

Work hard at being friendly... people have a tendency to go out of their way to help those who are nice and friendly (as opposed to shy, closed up, angry, etc.) Praise them for the good work they do, and how much you appreciate the help. Take some pictures along with you (small ones, in your purse or wallet) to remind you to smile and feel good about having some needs met and not having to worry.

Hold your head high. I've been on food stamps in the distant past, and felt bad and inferior...but alas, it helped me to get on my feet and not ever need them again. It's those who don't feel any twinge about needing and taking that I wonder about.

JD !!! Thank you for your wonderful words of wisdom Dancing with glee and twirling around !!! I wrote out some of the things you said and started a list to take in tomorrow. You know, in fact that is what caused the last incident. There was a sign, that I did not see, limiting all food, but it was placed in an area not visible to me when I first came in and no one pointed it out to me before I started shopping.

Knowledge is empowering and if I approach my intake with a positive spirit that I want to understand the rules and regs and have a positive experience (in lieu of creeping in like a victim), then surely it has to work.

No one explained to me what my limitations were, so I will get that explained upfront.

I think as long as I continue to remind myself to keep grounded, I should be okay.

I do feel very awkward when I am filling my basket, because there is always someone more needier than I.

Thanks JD !!!

Originally Posted by (JD)

I'm really sorry that you were treated that way, and that it's prevented you from returning until now.

Why not, when you first go in, ask if there are "any limits or guidelines, as [you] might have need of more things in one area than another?"

As one who gives to charity often and abundantly, I want those who need to get... if there weren't people needing, like you, then I wouldn't have the pleasure and reward of giving. If it weren't for you, those people wouldn't have an opportunity to volunteer, or if paid, have a job. Some people forget about the process.

Work hard at being friendly... people have a tendency to go out of their way to help those who are nice and friendly (as opposed to shy, closed up, angry, etc.) Praise them for the good work they do, and how much you appreciate the help. Take some pictures along with you (small ones, in your purse or wallet) to remind you to smile and feel good about having some needs met and not having to worry.

Hold your head high. I've been on food stamps in the distant past, and felt bad and inferior...but alas, it helped me to get on my feet and not ever need them again. It's those who don't feel any twinge about needing and taking that I wonder about.

[Can't Stop Crying]

Sorry it's so tough for you! It is NOT right for them to treat you like that! Everybody needs a helping hand sometimes. When my husband was laid off and I worked a part time minimum wage job because I had an infant - I applied for WIC (women and infant children) they treated me like I was an unfit human. It was horrible, but I had to feed my son so I stuck it out. If anything, my treatment has made me feel more generous when I am able. I agree with JD hold your head high! You are taking care of your needs and that is a healthy thing for you to do!

BTW - good luck! JD gave some awesome tips - I'll bet it goes smoother if you use those as a guide!

I'm sorry that happened to you too. You know it makes me think, and this is not the first time, but alot of abusive people are in organizations such as this, to pick on the needy, poor, elderly. And they get away with it. Makes me want to tape record my visit tomorrow, but my cell phone doesn't have that capacity, dang.... still I'll be very good, until I am used as target practice again.

Originally Posted by Can't Stop Crying

Sorry it's so tough for you! It is NOT right for them to treat you like that! Everybody needs a helping hand sometimes. When my husband was laid off and I worked a part time minimum wage job because I had an infant - I applied for WIC (women and infant children) they treated me like I was an unfit human. It was horrible, but I had to feed my son so I stuck it out. If anything, my treatment has made me feel more generous when I am able. I agree with JD hold your head high! You are taking care of your needs and that is a healthy thing for you to do!

BTW - good luck! JD gave some awesome tips - I'll bet it goes smoother if you use those as a guide!

Well.............. after much deliberation with all my parts, we decided to go. Earlier this morning, I was too afraid, but changed my mind due to curiosity. Several times during the re-evaluation, I thought I was going to faint and had to ask for water. But once I got my shopping cart and got going I felt better. Unfortunately the place was pretty bare. I only got three things... beans, beans and beans. LOL. Made an appointment for next month. It really wasn't worth the gas getting there, it was a long trip. I may not go back. I was grateful, however, for what I did receive

Since I am pre-diabetic there was very little I could select. Food banks are not set up for those with specialty diets. Oh, forgot, I did get a bar of soap and one roll of toilet paper.

After leaving there, I was reminded of how scary it can get living on disability.

[Porcelain_doll_2004]

Thanks for the update. You were strong to go. Sending you safe HUGS and lots of positive thoughts!

Thank you Porcelain_doll I needed to hear that today

Originally Posted by Porcelain_doll_2004

Thanks for the update. You were strong to go. Sending you safe HUGS and lots of positive thoughts!