Woman Refuses to Buy Junk Food for New Mom in Need – AITA?
The Original Post
A sibling’s friend has a younger sister who recently gave birth to a baby. She has no support from her parents or other family members, nor is the father involved in the child’s life. I purchased a large box of diapers, a large package of baby wipes, a couple of sleepers, a few long sleeved onesies, a package of baby socks, and a package of baby hats for this little baby. I was a single mom for many years and know how hard it can be when you’re on your own.
She messaged me this morning and asked if I could send her some money to buy food. I don’t believe anyone should go hungry, and I asked if instead I could have groceries delivered to her. I asked her to send me a list of essentials that she needs, and she returned the prompt with a request for junk food. I asked if I could instead order milk, bread, fruits, vegetables, and meat for her, and she told me that WIC covers a lot of that already. AITA if I refuse to buy junk food for her?
EDIT: I agree that treats are needed for everyone. What I failed to include is that she reached out claiming she had no food. I don’t want to stock a bare kitchen with just junk food.
EDIT 2: I placed a pick up order and someone is going to pick it up for her. I do not live in the same city otherwise I would have delivered it myself. Ready to heat meals, chips and salsa, a frozen pizza and pepperoni slices, Little Debbie, Oreos, Body Armor drinks. I hope this can bring some comfort to her.
What Reddit Said
Initially, many Redditors were divided on this dilemma. Some praised OP’s generosity while questioning the junk food request. However, the tide turned when commenters shared their own experiences as exhausted new parents.
The top responses emphasized how difficult those early weeks with a newborn can be. Moreover, they pointed out that comfort food and easy snacks are often necessities, not luxuries, for sleep-deprived new mothers. In fact, many noted that when you’re barely functioning, sometimes cookies and chips are all you can manage to eat.
The Verdict
The final consensus was NTA, but with important caveats about empathy. Reddit appreciated that OP listened to feedback and ultimately compromised by refusing to buy junk food initially but then providing both comfort foods and easy meals. This became a learning moment about parenting struggles and how sometimes kindness means setting aside judgment. The story shows how family support can take many forms, even when it doesn’t match our expectations.
Original post from r/AmItheAsshole (1,026 upvotes, 428 comments)