Give a gift this Christmas
By speakeasy
@speakeasy (4171)
United States
November 30, 2007 3:19pm CST
Currently, in the US we are having a lot of problems economically. Our gas prises are rising, food costs are rising, and more people than ever are trying not to lose their homes to foreclosure.
This is putting a serious strain on our nations food banks; because, more people need help.
Farmers had less surplus to sell to the government for surplus food programs. Stores have better inventory control programs; so, they have less food to donate.
This is all adding to the strain on the food banks; because, it means there is less food to distribute. Some food banks have actually had to close their doors; because there was so little food to distribute; they could not even afford to pay the bills needed to stay open.
Here is a link to an in-depth article - http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/30/us/30food.html?th=&adxnnl=1&emc=th&adxnnlx=1196456554-H4xfLwKuxy8Yj6x9Xp3Pgg
So, next time you are going shopping, if you are able, pick up a few extra items and donate them to a food bank's can drive or directly to the food bank.
When you are shopping for Christmas presents; remember a gift for the local food bank. In addition to food they also will accept money which will let them purchase extra food and some gift cards are for grocery stores if you do not want to hand over cash or a check. Farmers, if you have any left over crops, donate them directly to the food bank. They really need your help.
Whether these conditions are also a factor in other countries or not; I do not personally know. But, if you live in another country; you might want to help your food banks out also.
1 response
@GardenGerty (169439)
• United States
30 Nov 07
My only problem with this is that we remember at the holidays, and forget the rest of the time. There are people hungry all of the time. Also people without what they need to keep clean, personally, or for their clothes. All of these things combined are very downgrading to the human spirit. We should give a gift today, but tomorrow too, and for all of the months that do not have a holiday. Good reminder friend. I have enough food, but went on short rations as a child. Poverty is slavery.
@speakeasy (4171)
• United States
1 Dec 07
I agree wholeheartedly that we need to do this all year around; but:
This article was published now because of the severe shortages - right now.
Many stores and organizations are having "food drives" right now that make it so simple to donate when you attend a party or go to the grocery store.
People with money are usually in a more charitable mood this time of year and they may need the tax deduction BEFORE the year ends.
Maybe, they will feel guilty when they look at all the "unnecessary items" they are buying and then think about someone else who may not even have enough food to feed their kids let alone themselves.
