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Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009
For many, the issue of hunger might appear as a far away crisis. A crisis that plagues poor countries far enough removed from familiar territory that it is something Americans might not feel would ever affect them beyond their neighborhood soup kitchen.
But a report over the weekend has all but blown away that perception with news that more America is in a state of “food insecurity.”
Studying the “access to food,” the Department of Agriculture announced that number of those households and families struggling to eat had reached a 14-year high.
In 2008, nearly 50 million Americans were having trouble keeping food on the table.
The causes are still being examined but the recession, rising number of unemployed, rising prices of food and the rising number of people who are just trying to make ends meet.
Just what kind of action the findings will yield is still to be seen.
But if there is anything to be seen by the news it is that the issue of hunger has hit too many homes to stand by and do nothing – and those homes might be in your neighborhood.
Reportedly, the findings also showed that more and more families are being forced to skip meals, hard enough for working adults – debilitating for America’s children rising early and heading to school, some with empty stomachs.
The big picture may be that America now has a new fight in front of her: a fight against hunger in cities and states throughout the nation.
But a war is won in battles and in every neighborhood, on every street if we fight the battle we can win the war.
There is plenty you can do to help.
Food pantries, churches and charities are always in need and in appreciation of monetary donations and food donations, and it’s important that citizens keep giving to those organizations now more than ever.
But there are even more ways in which to help.
If you’re a parent who helps in seeing their friend or neighbor’s children off to school – offer to provide breakfast for them all once or twice a week.
If you know of a relative or a friend or coworker falling on hard times, invite them over for dinner. Hold a potluck once a week with your circle of friends and offer to bring in leftovers for lunch.
Hunger is a double-edged sword. As more and more Americans suffer with it – they will suffer the social stigmas that accompany it, afraid to ask for help, afraid to let on that they’re having a hard time keeping food on the table.
So it becomes a call to all of us to step up and help out. When out shopping, pick up a couple of extra canned goods or food items and drop them off at the nearest food pantry, church or charity on the way home. As the holidays approach, welcome as many people into your home as you can – tell them to bring a dish if they’re able.
To give can fill one with an priceless feeling of humility and purpose. To receive can mean infinitely more to those who are in need.
Get educated: Find the full report at the Department of Agriculture, www.usda.gov.
Get on it: Contact the Salvation Army of Niles, the Food Bank Council of Michigan or your local church to find out how you can help.