Riches points the finger squarely at governments 'neglect of their social obligations under federal legislation and international conventions, and laments many food banks' reluctance to take .a stand against inadequate social assistance benefits. While food banks receive corporate donations and government grants, corporate interests perpetuate a wasteful food marketing system and governments cut cash benefits.

By showing such contradictions in social policy, Food Banks and the Welfare Crisis challenges head-on popular notions about hunger, poverty, and the adequacy of the welfare system.