Editorial: Sobriety not high price to pay for food

Rose Walker won't give you food from her foodbank if she thinks you are on drugs.

Her view is that if you are on drugs, you're also on your backside doing nothing to get work.

Therefore, why do you deserve the handout?

Her stance has polarised opinion - commentators on www.northernadvocate.co.nz have questioned Rose's right to make such a judgment. As has Kerikeri-based Green MP David Clendon, who says Rose is being "punitive" and "blaming".

Social Development Minister Paula Bennett has backed Rose, though. She says the Government expects people to be drug free and ready to work.

The Salvation Army has a slightly softer approach - if people present and they have been drinking or are suspected of being on drugs, they are still fed.

Rose's argument is that Kaitaia's Fresh Start Family Services and Food Bank works hard to get its funding, so therefore it is its choice as to who it can give food to.

Drugs are bad - there's no argument there.

Rose's judgment call under scrutiny is whether someone on drugs is less deserving than others, bearing in mind there are all sorts of circumstances that result in people needing a helping hand from the foodbank.

Rose's stance is controversial - drugs are clearly a greater evil than poverty.

I tend to think she is right - it's her foodbank, she can set the terms of engagement with clients.

She also deserves credit for having the courage to take a stance and do something. Sometimes, it's refreshing to see someone take action, rather than just talk.