Another way of selling the idea of the food bank to Eric would be to tell him to view this as compensation for not being paid enough for his labor while he worked, and for losing his home help due to cuts. That people who donate see it as a way to give to those who deserve a helping hand. In the best version it would be like going to the supermarket, but not paying. And who knows, he might find a friend or two, who will understand what it's like to have struggled to make ends meet all his life.
Oh, and why hasn't Eric said something about the tea? Adam will be mortified when he finds out. If he went to the trouble of getting Eric's chair, making a stronger cup of tea for him would be a piece of cake.