My local food bank can only provide 8 packages with referrals every time before you run out, and I have, but my situation hasn’t improved financially due to various set backs and I’m struggling to feed myself. I’ve heard that supermarkets throw out massive amounts, but have never been in a position where dumpster diving seemed feasible. People who do it, what time of day do you do it and how do you find good spots? UK resident for ref
Jesus. Nobody should ever go hungry. Have you tried asking the manager/owner of the local grocery if you can have food destined for the dumpster? Talk to some of the employees too. While I’m not hard up for food, i got friendly with the folks running the deli section. If I show up when they close the deli, they’ll give me everything left in the hot deli case for the price of one serving, because otherwise they’re going to throw it away.
I’ll second this. I’ve never tried dumpster diving, but I have been an employee that helped out before.
If there is no store policy against it, it’s not much trouble to sort the still-decent stuff into a particular bag, and leave that one bag outside the dumpster instead of throwing it in.
Just go in when its slow, buy something preferably, and while you’re there ask an employee if it’s okay with the store if you do some diving and that you won’t make a mess. If they seem friendly, you can ask when/how would be the best time to do it. Probably works better with a smaller, locally-owned place than a big corporate chain. I’d recommend a small coffeeshop or bakery.