A man has faced heavy criticism after complaining on social media about the contents of a free grocery hamper provided by a local charity.
The recipient shared his frustration on a community Facebook page after collecting the food package from Echuca Neighbourhood House, a non-profit organisation in northern Victoria.
Run entirely by volunteers, the organisation operates two community hubs, a food bank and a mobile food relief 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, saying it contained items he had “specifically did not request”
The recipient posted his complaint (above) in a local community group
The post was viewed by more than 1,000 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’re not exactly what you wanted. There’s a difference between raising a legitimate concern and publicly criticising people who are trying to help,” one person commented.
“The simple solution is to hand it back or pass it on. You received something for nothing and still want to complain?” another wrote.
“Shame on you! What were the things you specifically requested? Just be thankful,” a third added.
“Beggars can’t be choosers. If you were hungry, you’d eat it,” another commenter said.
“Did you mean to say ‘thank you’?” another person asked.
Sarah Peake, manager of Echuca Neighbourhood House, told Daily Mail that the charity works to provide recipients with the assistance they need.
“Food relief isn’t a one-size-fits-all service,” she said.
More than 1,000 locals criticised the man as “ungrateful” while thanking the charity for its food bank work (above)
“Every person’s circumstances are different, and our job is to provide practical support that responds to their needs as effectively as possible with the resources available to us.”
‘We’re here to help people, not judge their circumstances, and we take pride in making sure our hampers are tailored to the individual wherever possible.’
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Ms Peake has worked with the charity for almost 11 years and said she is ‘incredibly proud of the work our team does for our community’.
While the organisation does its best to tailor food hampers to individual needs, she said it can be tricky to accommodate all requests as it relies on donations.
‘I understand that people have different experiences with food relief services and feedback is always welcome,’ Ms Peake said.
‘However, I’m proud of our approach. My focus remains on the people we support and the work we do every day.’
Echuca Neighbourhood House partners with several organisations, including Food Bank Victoria and Second Bite, to create ready-made food hampers.
The hampers are available Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays with ‘no prior orders required’. Hot meals are also regularly available for $2 a portion.
Echuca Neighbourhood House (above) offers food hampers and regularly hosts hot meals for $2 a portion to those struggling with food security
‘If you are experiencing difficulties, distress, or are in an emergency situation, please call us to see how we can assist you,’ its website states.
‘Donations are appreciated to help sustain this service.’
Several grateful recipients have thanked the organisation on its Google reviews page.
‘Absolutely the best food bank I have been too. Can be a bit of a wait, but well worth it. Staff are friendly and kind and it’s just a great environment all round,’ one wrote.
‘Great place to help you with a food parcel,’ another said.
‘Wonderful caring people, exactly what this town needs,’ another wrote.
Ms Peake was touched to see all the supportive comments under the 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’ll continue doing our best to provide practical assistance and find new ways to support our local and surrounding communities.’
Daily Mail has contacted the charity recipient for comment.
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