Charity recipient’s post spectacularly backfires as he criticises free parcel with items he ‘didn’t request’

A man who received a free food hamper from a charity has taken to social media to complain that it didn’t contain the items that he wanted, sparking a wave of backlash.

The disgruntled man posted to a local community page after receiving the bag of free groceries from Echuca Neighbourhood House, a non-profit in northern Victoria.

The entirely volunteer-led organisation runs two community hubs, a food bank and a mobile food service.

‘This is not help,’ the man wrote online. 

‘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 a half a bag of things I did not want.’

A photo of the man’s haul showed the shopping bag contained fresh fruit, canned tuna, long-life milk and Up and Go breakfast drinks. 

On top of the food, there was also a deodorant, soap, a razor, shaving cream, toothbrush, sunscreen, shampoo and conditioner.

The post quickly gained the attention of over a thousand locals who slammed the man for publicly shaming a charity that had done it’s best to help 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 wrote.

‘Simple solution to this problem: hand it back or pass it on. Something for nothing and you want to complain?’ another said.

‘Shame on you! What are the things you specifically requested? Oh my! Just be thankful,’ one added.

‘Wow beggars can’t be choosers, dude. If you were hungry, you’d eat it,’ another person said.

‘Did you mean to say ‘thank you’?’ said another.

Echuca Neighbourhood House manager Sarah Peake told Daily Mail the charity does its best to give its recipients the help they need.

‘Food relief isn’t a one-size-fits-all service,’ she said.

‘Every person’s circumstances are different, and our job is to provide practical support that meets their needs as best we can 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.’

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.

‘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.