Feeding the homeless

hi kowgirl well I am all for anything to help the homeless but for goodness sakes does not anyone understand a lot of homeless people are only out there now because theylost their jobs and were evicted because their money ran out,the same people who might have lived next door to you, what I am saying is get those people jobs,lots of jobs, let them get into apartments be working out deals with the apartment owners to drop the last month rent and the security deposit until the people have had several months of paychecks then add a little to their rent until it is all paid off. feeding them is great but the problem itself has to be remedied, that is getting people back to work and into housing,and getting back their self respect.I know all of this from my own experiences.We should not have this huge homeless problem as we are the wealthiest nation there is, I think it is shameful we just let this go on and on and on.

I think it would be an excellent idea but one of the problems related to this is the cost. Food banks and soup kitchens operate off donations from supermarkets and government programs, as well as from restaurants and people like you and me. Often they are only allowed to accept non perishables from individual donators. Non perishables tend to be boxed and canned items, not fresh veggies and fruits, and not frozen items either. This makes it hard to donate fresh whole foods because there is no way to store them. They also have a short shelf life anyway, so it would have to be given to recipients immediately. Fresh/frozen whole food tends to be more expensive too and the way the economy is these days, it is hard to find ways to donate a large amount of these things. If there was a cost effective and reasonable way to do this, I would say definitely. It would be healthier overall anyway. I have enough personal gripes about the school lunch programs, and they state the meals are balanced and nutritional. They just don't seem that way to me. Healthier desserts would be a great idea too - no added sugar especially. Obesity especially affects lower income people, and many of those end up at food banks and soup kitchens where once again they get a variety of more processed and carby and cheaper food that isn't necessarily healthy, even though it can be made in large supplies and probably tastes good.

I think this is an amazing idea. It probably wouldn't offend the donors if you plan on making a suggestion, because this suggestion would only help the homeless people out there. Plus, it wouldn't benefit just people with diabetes. With more green vegetables, the people that don't have diabetes will have healthier foods and be able to live longer. I really think this is a great idea, so I would suggest going to a local charity and mention this.

Personally I don't think that the donators would have a big problem with it. The people that donate do so because they want to help and if they were made aware of the problem, I am sure that they would still want to help, I know I will be doing more to help out as well. I think that it is great that you started this disscussion because until I read it, I had no idea that this was a problem. I think that by raising awareness on this issue, you are doing more than a lot of people that I know and I think that you are an amazing person for showing that you really care about the situation. I hope that your conversation will help encourage more people to do their part and I want you to know that if there were more people out there in the world like you, the world would DEFINATELY be a much better place. Please keep up the good work, and happy mylotting.

Hi, kowgirl! I don't think it would offend these donors. Maybe it just need brought to their attention. Maybe someone from the shelters could tell them about this, and also ask for more donations of the green vegetables, and meals that are not high carb, so that the homeless with diabetes can enjoy the holiday meals also. It is nice that you are willing to bake them, and yes ask for donations. Every little bit helps, and it would be spreading the holiday cheer with those less fortunate, and the ones who have health problems can enjoy also.

I didn't know about this but really I think it's a great idea to tell the donors what can really help them. It's not unpolite, at all, it is great because more people will have access to the food and it'll also do better to them!! Very well done for your effort, you're remarkable!

This is a wonderful question and one that most people would not even think about. Our unemployment in my home city is the highest in the state. Our homeless shelters have expanded and purchased another building because there are so many men, women and children that are now homeless. I know the missions provide pretty good food, but I don't know if they do provide special meals for those with diet requirements like diabetes. I would think if you contacted your generous supporters and ask if they could donate the ingredients you need or in the case of the grocery store, I know they have sugar free desserts in their bakery areas that they could donate. Perhaps if you wrote an open letter to the editor of your local newspaper, it would make more people aware and perhaps some of the good bakers could donate some of their dishes as well. We all have to be aware not only at the holiday time, but all through the year of the needs of people less fortunate. Thanks for the reminder.

This is an interesting topic for sure, and one that I think more places could really benefit from for sure. I know with myself and being Diabetic sometimes there is not much out there in the way of Good foods for us as well. It is a wonder why sometimes there is not more offered, but at the same time, maybe there needs to be more awareness and training out there as well. But personally it would be quite beneficial if there was a place people who are homeless or hungry could go that could offer better eating choices for those who might have other Health issues for sure. With the economy still on a downslide with job losses, foreclosures, etc. the homeless or hungry population tends to increase with sometimes a lot less willing or able to help out as well.

hey thats great. since my hubby lost his job in august, we have been struggling so we wont be donating that much money this year. i dont know if the store managers would be offended or not.

I think it is a good idea to give healthy foods to homeless people.these healthy foods will help them a lot.they can offer some holiday foods,but on a day-to-day basis,it is much better if they're given healthy foods.these homeless people need care and understanding.they should be given the chance to healthy life.

I think that is a great idea I love helping others that are in real need I wish I were rich so I could help all the homeless and sick people and animals out in this world i am not that good of a cook just basic cooking but man if i had the money this whole world would be alot better All I can do for now is pray for those in desperate need that goes for all people and animals!!i DONT KNOW HOW TO MAKE THINGS WITH LESS CARBS i WISH i DID.

My family is broke too (but not homeless). When we go to the church to recieve food, they usually give you..bread, bread, and more bread. They throw in some donuts and sugared cereals too, I'm hoping to PREVENT diabetes from happening, but they don't offer much healthy food. I don't know if the donors realize this-or if they do--they might just think because we're poor we'll accept anything. Which is partly true-my family ends up eating that stuff until we can go shopping later. Hunger is hunger. But yeah-I really hope that some will realize that it does a world of good to add in more vegetables and other natural, low carb (or close to it) foods. Sometimes all I need to get through the day is vegetables and olive oil Lol. Good question, happy to answer.