Food Pantries in Crisis Across America -- Alert!

[theHandpuppet]

Below is a short list of food pantries across the country which have recently put out calls for donations of food. Note, this is just a tiny, tiny sampling because there are literally thousands of centers for the hungry and homeless which need our help. Many are in crisis due to lack of donations. I'm presenting this small sampling because I want to remind people that hunger is a NATIONAL problem in America. It's in YOUR town, YOUR state, YOUR country. Won't you please consider contacting an organization in your area which serves the homeless and/or hungry? Summer is an especially critical time for many of these organizations.

Thank you! Oh -- and please feel free to add to this list if your area food pantry is in need!

Little Rock, ARKANSAS
Donations Are Low at The Little Rock Compassion Center
http://www.katv.com/news/stories/0706/347437.html
Tuesday July 25, 2006 8:29pm Reporter: Anne Pressly Posted By: Talisa Austin

Little Rock -

You may have given to your local homeless shelter or soup kitchen around Christmas time. Now that it's July and one organization says donations are down considerably.

As a result they desperately need your help now more than ever feeding the hungry. The food pantry at the Compassion Center is not empty. The Operations Manager told Channel Seven earlier Tuesday that the food they have isn’t enough. Hundreds of people depend on the organization as their only source of a hot meal.

The dining room at the Little Rock Compassion Center is always full. But filling the plates of the hungry has become increasingly difficult in the past several months because more people are in need.... MORE


Raleigh and Wilson, NORTH CAROLINA:
N.C. Food Pantries' Stocks In Summer Slump
http://www.wral.com/news/9596137/detail.html
POSTED: 10:57 pm EDT July 29, 2006

RALEIGH, N.C. -- On Wednesdays, more than 150 people migrate to the Milagros y Maravillas, or Miracles and Blessings, food pantry in Selma. Some come on foot or bicycle, others hitch rides or drive with family members from neighboring towns.

"Sometimes you're sitting here 30 minutes, sometimes you're here four hours, and it's depressing," said Kenly resident Kim Whitley, 45, as she waited in stifling heat for an N.C. Food Bank truck to arrive.

The plight of Whitley and others who need help putting food on the table often gets overlooked during the carefree summer months. For the Triangle's numerous food pantries, this has real consequences.

"We refer to it as the summer slump," said Ernie Mills, executive director of the Durham Rescue Mission. "In the summer, our shelves run bare."

(snipping)

"Summer is the worst time in terms of getting our donations of food," said Joyce Cooper, president of Garner Area Ministries. Like Mills, Cooper recently sent a letter to the more than 20 Garner area churches letting them know that the ministry's shelves were in need of restocking.

Several factors contribute to the summer slump. Fewer food drives are held during the summer, and those that do occur tend to be less successful than those held around Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Summer also means fewer children are receiving free meals at school.... MORE

http://rdu.news14.com/content/your_news/goldsborowilson/?ArID=87289&SecID=33
Food pantries need summer donations
Updated: 7/10/2006 6:28 PM
By: Heather Moore

WILSON, N.C. -- Fewer people donate to area food pantries during the summertime compared to other times of the year. That leaves the shelves empty and shelters scrambling to find enough food to help people in need.

Wilson’s Hope Station gives away food three days a week. Monday, nearly 60 families lined up for groceries to help them get through the month.

Wilson resident Carl Richards got enough food for himself, his fiancé, and his four-month old daughter, China.

“If we didn't come here, we would be without,” Richards said. “This is a low-paying area,” he added. “People really can't make it on what money they do make.”

Wilson has one of the highest unemployment rates in the state. That means there's a big need for assistance, like the food pantry, but this time of year, the shelves are often empty....

Syracuse, NEW YORK
http://www.syracuse.com/news/poststandard/index.ssf?/base/news-5/1153560500129440.xml&coll=1

There is a long list of agencies needing donations, but one in particular is in desperate need: ST. ALPHONSUS FOOD PANTRY Address: 10 Lewis St., Auburn Schedule/service: 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Monday to Saturday; monthly interval if available (or emergency). Response to message within 24 hours. Telephone: [phone] Needs: "We are in desperate need of food for our pantry. All items are appreciated, especially diapers and women's personal products."

Austin, TEXAS
Capital Area Food Bank In Need Of Donations
http://keyetv.com/local/local_story_207172229.html
July 26, 2006
Julie Simon reporting

(CBS 42) AUSTIN The folks over at the Capital Area Food Bank are making a passionate plea for help.

They are worried that their needs have jumped 25 percent, but donations have stayed flat.

The executive director of the food bank is very nervous when he sees empty shelves. He wants them completely full because there are thousands of people who rely on the food bank for their next meal.

(snipping)

Over the last six months, demand in Travis County has gone up 15 percent. In Williamson County, it's up 42 percent. In rural Gillespie County that number is 60 percent.

Michael Guerra, with the Capital Area Food Bank, says the demand goes up in the summertime.

“The kids aren't in school, maybe getting some lunches and breakfasts at school so when we see empty shelves it's a concern,” Guerra said.

He adds there's no greater feeling than helping the needy.

(snipping)
CBS 42 is helping out with a food drive. The drive begins Aug. 7 and runs through the Aug. 13. Donations can be made at any Austin area Randall’s grocery stores.

Berlin, CONNECTICUT
Food pantry seeking extra donations
http://www.newbritainherald.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=16982687&BRD=1641&PAG=461&dept_id=572377&rfi=6
By: Jason Pheasant
07/29/2006

BERLIN - As many people prepare for their summer vacations, it may be easy to forget those who can't afford to get away, let alone buy groceries for themselves and their families.
According to Antoinette Pajor, community service director for the town of Berlin, the amount of food available for families during the summer months slows down, while the demand rises.
"The demand increases during the summer because many of the families have children and they aren't getting lunch like they would be able to if they were in school," she said.
The town has been helping less fortunate families by participating in the food pantry for over the past 25 years. Currently there are more than 40 registered families who actively use the pantry as a means for food supply. The numbers fluctuate depending on the given month.
Many of the resources the town uses for donations such as various churches, outside organizations and schools run on the same seasonal schedule, and therefore during June, July and August they are off... MORE

(Note: The following article was published in November of 2005 and things are only getting worse.)
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10131147/
Food bank donations down sharply
Officials fear ‘donor fatigue’ in year plagued by disasters domestic, abroad
By Michael E. Ross
Reporter
MSNBC
Updated: 9:59 a.m. CT Nov 24, 2005

Some of the nation’s bigger food charities and food banks are reporting that donations have continued long-standing declines, decreases that may well continue through the holidays.

Officials at the charities fear that “donor fatigue” may have set in, with people’s charitable instincts stretched to the limit in a year of an uncommon number of weather-related tragedies.

At food charities in Seattle, Los Angeles, New York and Milwaukee, donations are down in large measure because of the one-two punch of serial disasters at home and abroad....

(snipping)

Less food, more people who need it
Those dire situations have a parallel in America's growing food needs. An October report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture found that 2004 was the fifth consecutive year in which the number of Americans in households at risk of hunger increased. The number of people living in what the USDA calls “food-insecure” households rose to 38.2 million last year, including 13.8 million children.

Food-bank officials say the problem's only gotten worse since then. The effect has been the worst of scenarios: a decrease in food donations and an increase in the number of people who need them.... MORE

[Horse with no Name]

1. Add that to the people who are being cut off of food stamps

As well as the school lunch program being cut to pay for a tax cut for the wealthy.
I have always thought it was CRIMINAL to pay farmers NOT to grow crops or produce milk when they could grow them and agree not to sell them on the open market---and instead the crops and milk being put into a food bank and given to the hungry.
Hunger is a silent epidemic.
I wonder how many people in dire circumstances resort to criminal behavior to feed their children?
Arguably, hunger is a domestic enemy.
Why aren't our elected representatives upholding their oaths of office and doing something about it?

[grannylib]

2. It's Safety Month where I work, and we are doing a donation drive for the

local food shelf with donation items tied to health and safety...
Bottled water/gatorade
fruit/veggies
beans and rice
nuts, low-fat cheese, whole grain crackers, REAL yogurt
first aid and hygiene supplies (band aids, antibiotic ointment, tp, shampoo, soap, cleansers, feminine hygiene products, paper towels, etc)

[Lindacooks]

3. K&R

This is an absolute sin, and further proof of the failure of repuke policies.

[everythingsxen]

4. agreed and K&R

[butterfly77]

54. I heard today that they will be...

cutting the WIC program and some of the items of food .

[theHandpuppet]

5. A morning kick for those in need

Food, Not Bombs!

[knitter4democracy]

6. I'd better do a food scrounging in my cupboards.

I'm sure I could fill a bag or two. I'll have the kids help with that this afternoon. Thanks for the reminder--times are super tough here.

[theHandpuppet]

9. Thanks, knitter4democracy!

And what a great idea to get your kids involved! :thumbsup:

[knitter4democracy]

41. They need to understand that not everyone has food all the time.

I'm glad that they do fundraisers at my daughter's school for the food bank and all, too. It's an important lesson.

[theHandpuppet]

7. Compassionate Conservatism, Neocon-style

This is just an example of what the Bush administration thinks about the poor and hungry in America:

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/5279076/
Food-bank comment causes furor
Lawmakers call for resignation after official says
some who go to food banks take 'easy way out'

Updated: 3:15 p.m. ET June 23, 2004
WASHINGTON - A senior Agriculture Department official’s comment that people who eat at food banks are “taking the easy way out” was taken out of context, an agency spokeswoman said Wednesday, after several members of Congress called for his resignation.

Eric Bost, the department’s undersecretary for food and nutrition programs, was quoted in a June 6 story in The Columbus (Ohio) Dispatch about the growing use of food banks as saying he was skeptical of claims that food needs among the poor were increasing.

“There’s a bump, but how much of that is due to people taking the easy way out? I don’t know,” he said.... MORE

[theHandpuppet]

8. Share a few minutes of your time for a DU idea?

This task only takes a few minutes or up to an hour of your time depending upon where you live. A simple Google search for food pantries in your state will provide you with many links to share among friends, family and internet discussion groups. I have created this one for DU's Ohio Forum (my home state). Why not create one for your state forum?

Be well -- and remember, FOOD -- NOT BOMBS!

Ohio, Main Links:
Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
http://www.cohhio.org/
Ohio Association of Second Harvest Food Banks
http://www.oashf.org/oaspaofp_program_descriptions.htm

Area-specific links:

Southeastern Ohio
http://www.hapcap.org/seorfc.htm (Athens and surrounding counties)

Southwestern Ohio
http://www.freestorefoodbank.org/about_us.html (Cincinnati)
http://www.bc-unitedway.org/partners/index.html (Hamilton)
http://www.uc.edu/cce/csf-food.html (Cincinnati)
http://www.ywca.org/site/pp.asp?c=agLGKXNOE&b=295672 (Clermont County)
http://www.thefoodbankdayton.org/ (Dayton)

Southern Ohio (Scioto, Lawrence, Pike, Brown, Jackson, Adams, Gallia, Highland and Ross)
Need links!

North Central Ohio
http://secondharvestfoodbank.org/member-agencies/agency-information/frequently-asked-questions/
http://secondharvestfoodbank.org/hunger-resources/resources/regional-hunger-statistics/

Central Ohio
http://www.midohiofoodbank.org/feed.htm
http://www.denison.edu/service-learning/opportunities/ar08s06.html
http://www.coe.ohio-state.edu/edpl/sli/partnersdecribe.html (Columbus)
http://www.coe.ohio-state.edu/edpl/sli/partnersdecribe.html (Newark)
http://www.uwcentralohio.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.viewPage&page_id=DEAF67D3-9679-807D-B8D1445238D8A13E
http://www.stjohnsmarysville.org/services.htm

Northeastern Ohio
http://www.akroncantonfoodbank.org/ (Akron-Canton)
http://www.sunnews.com/news/2006/part2/0706/EPANTRY.htm (Cleveland)
http://www.mahoningvalleysecondharvest.com/news/article01080601.htm (Youngstown)
http://www.uwportage.org/crises.htm

Northwestern Ohio
http://www.volunteermatch.org/results/org_detail.jsp?orgid=19918
http://www.toledofoodbank.org/Home.htm (Toledo)

Western Ohio
http://www.volunteermatch.org/results/org_detail.jsp?orgid=11219
Could use some more links!

Related links....

America's Second Harvest: Ohio Hunger Stories
http://64.26.27.24/hunger_stories.asp?s=44&st=OH
Operation Feed, Columbus area
http://federalvoice.dscc.dla.mil/federalvoice/020327/opsfeed.html
Free fresh veggies distributed in Ashtabula
http://www.starbeacon.com/Currents/local_story_207082933

[EFerrari]

10. This is an excellent idea! I will make one for the CA forum

or, start one, anyway, using your model! Has to wait for Saturday though.

I woke up to this story this morning:

S.F.'S HOMELESS AGING ON THE STREET
Chronic health problems on the rise as median age nears 50

Kevin Fagan, Chronicle Staff Writer

Friday, August 4, 2006

A majority of the homeless people on San Francisco's streets have been there since the 1980s and never left, and without concentrated care they soon will start crowding hospital emergency rooms and dying in large numbers, according to a 14-year-long, first-of-its-kind examination of chronic homelessness in the United States.

The finding -- which the researchers say is reflected in other cities -- is sure to give added impetus to initiatives in San Francisco and elsewhere to create more programs that combine permanent housing and social services for residents under the same roof.

Without such supportive housing programs, the aging homeless are likely to experience rapid health decline and death, said Judy Hahn, the UCSF assistant professor who led the study.

"The already-troubling health issues for these older street people are not going to go away. They will just get worse, and we will see them in increasing numbers in our hospitals," Hahn said. "If they don't go into the hospitals, many will simply die from living outside. Giving them a residence with on-site health care available will go a long way toward avoiding these troubles."

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2006/08/04/MNGILKB9KV1.DTL

[theHandpuppet]

11. I've been wondering how the homeless are dealing with the heat, too

it just makes me SICK that we are spending billions of dollars on weapons to kill people around the world yet we can't seem to scrape together the resources to feed, house and clothe the needy right here at home.

I swear, if the Dems don't take back Congress this fall I don't know what will happen to this country. Well, maybe I DO know, but it's just too horrible to contemplate.

[EFerrari]

12. I called the mayor's office to ask that very question.

Gavin Newsom is a Democrat and he ran on ending homelessness in San Francisco, wink wink. He claims homelessness is down by over 30% since he took office. Anyway, I asked his communications office if the City and County of SF had taken any measures. They are very slick in that office. Took a careful message and blew me off entirely.

Now, we don't have heat here as other parts of the country does. But, this year has been much warmer and there are parts of the city that do get very hot. Because we don't usually get heat, no one is prepared to deal with it when it does happen.

[theHandpuppet]

13. Hmmm... maybe it's time to call the SF papers?

Dem, Republican or any other stripe, every elected official must be held accountable.

[EFerrari]

14. The reporter who wrote that story is a friend of mine.

He's won awards for his reporting on homelessness. But, at this moment, he's in transition to a teaching job. I wonder will cover this issue when he moves on. It's a terrible loss for my local fishwrap.

[SmokingJacket]

15. But what does he mean that "homelessness is down"?

It's a great thing if he means those people are in houses now -- but it's something else altogether if the homeless have just been chased to kinder cities.

(to the people who can't stand having to walk past people sleeping outside the local Starbucks, it might not matter... but it does.)

[EFerrari]

16. The local Coalition on Homelessness doesn't agree with him,

I'll put it that way. Gavin has been great and risked a great deal over gay marriages. But on homelessness, he's been duplicitous.

This is how I know: we organized a fundraiser for a local group that deals with this issue. That week, I was talking to a LOT of press people. One day I get a call from a teevee station asking me to comment on a ROUST that was taking place. It was in progress, okay? So, I call Gavin's office and talk to his slick people. They are very nice and tell me nothing.

When the story hit the paper, Mayor Newsom was unaware of the roust until after the event. Except I knew that wasn't true because I called his office WHILE IT WAS IN PROGRESS.

[AngryOldDem]

36. Question about the roust....

How often does this happen, and what happens to the people and the belongings they have?

Near the homeless shelter in my city there are some woods that many homeless camp out in. Every so often the cops come in and make a sweep, and everything the people have is basically destroyed. But...they come back within weeks.

Also...does San Francisco make those who ask for food/money register and get a license with the city to do so? Mine does.

Just curious about how these things are handled elsewhere.

[EFerrari]

38. No licenses. And I wouldn't have known about that roust

if I hadn't been talking to the press that week. And, I suspect, they don't get reported often because if you report them, City Hall becomes a chilly place.

I have one other beef with Gavin. On a regular basis, they hold these events at a convention center where homeless people can do one stop shopping -- sign up for food stamps or treatment or temporary housing -- lots of services available there.

But, that seems exactly backwards to me because few of the homeless people I know could 1) get there and 2)endure the crowd without a "sponsor" or some kind of support. Does that make sense?

The Mayor's Office has made a big deal about going out into the community in shirtsleeves but in reality, the opposite has happened. The homeless community has to find its way to the Mayor somehow.

[AngryOldDem]

40. So it's all pretty much a big "show" on City Hall's part, then?

They like to present the illusion of doing something, when in fact they aren't doing much at all?

Here (Dayton, OH) we are "lucky" in that agencies that help the homeless are pretty much accessible, either by foot or bus. The only thing is, the crowds at these places (most especially the job center) can be large, delays long, and frustrations high. Also sometimes there is transportation made available (depending on the event) and we are given enough notice so that we can get the word out to our guests when something that might be of value/interest is coming up. Also, representatives from legal aid and the local VA come to the shelter on certain mornings to assist with issues.

We're still pretty much on our own, though. Luckily the interagency communication appears to be good.

Oh...one thing about the licenses. Once they get a license, they have to wear an index-sized card around their necks to show that they are "approved to panhandle." :eyes: I don't know how strictly this is enforced because there are guys who ask for money on a traffic island near the shelter and I don't see them wearing their "badges."

[Gormy Cuss]

62. Gavin means that fewer people are peeing in the UN Plaza fountain

In other words, the homeless aren't as visible in the high rent and touristy locations.

[bobbolink]

22. What a wonderful human being you are! Where have you been? ^_^

What you've done here on DU the last few days has lifted my spirits tremendously!

YES to action!! :bounce:

Keep lighting these fires, Handpuppet!!

:pals:

[theHandpuppet]

31. No, I'm just a contrary and cantankerous old broad

I've been in hiding.

:hide:

Seriously, though, it's just that a few things which have happened lately (and some here on DU) finally tossed me over my self-imposed thresholds.

[Sapphire Blue]

33. Here's to whatever tossed you over those thresholds...

... I really like your new thresholds! :toast: :hug: :loveya:

[bobbolink]

37. ~~putting down pillows to break the thresholds toss~~

You're making very effective and valuable use of said toss!!

Somehow, my cantankerousness doesn't seem to wake people so much.

Maybe you're the hundredth monkey we've been waiting for! :pals:

[leftchick]

55. In Central NC

Thank you HP! What a great idea!

This is a group I donate a lot of time and energy to....

http://www.greensborourbanministry.org/

[SmokingJacket]

17. Does anyone know if there are ways to "subscribe" to a food pantry?

I give automatically to Doctors Without Borders every month -- they just take it out of my bank account. I'm a disorganized and forgetful person and this has gotten me to contribute MUCH more money than I would otherwise, and it's relatively painless.

I would really like to do something more local, too -- and I do in an irregular way, but there are so many competing demands on my time and attention, that long periods go by when I don't give at all to food pantries. I think a lot of people are like me...

ON EDIT: I just did a little research and found that there is a "Meal a Month" program at my local pantry where you contribute the cost of one meal every month. I suggest other people with a few bucks to spare check this kind of thing out.

[theHandpuppet]

19. Try contacting Second Harvest

They should be able to tell you what kind of subscriptions may be available. They should also be able to put you in contact with a food bank in your area and perhaps your donation could be specifically marked for a local food bank. Thanks for caring!

http://www.secondharvest.org/

[EFerrari]

20. Thanks a good idea. I have to have everything scheduled, too,

or I get into trouble.

[meganmonkey]

18. You mean, poor people aren't only hungry at Thanksgiving or Christmas?!

Thank you! K & R!!

Your post probably addresses this but I don't have time to read it all..

Summer is SO HARD for Hunger Relief programs. Kids don't get their school subsidized breakfasts and lunches so demand goes up!

But everybody has better things to do, apparently, then to hold a food drive or volunteer in other ways in the summer.

The same people are hungry in August as in November or December!!!

Don't just think of this at holidays - we need help ALL YEAR ROUND, ESPECIALLY IN SUMMER!!!

:thumbsup:

[bobbolink]

23. It's the only time I need to eat. What about you?

I'm training myself to become a good air plant.

:)

Thanks for the reminder!

:hi:

[theHandpuppet]

34. You guys are crackin' me up!!!

Thanks -- I needed that today! :rofl:

[Sapphire Blue]

21. Another consideration... w/children going back to school in a month....

... many families, w/already stretched budgets, are faced w/back-to-school shopping... school supplies, clothing, shoes, coats, etc. Many families just don't have the money in their budgets for these added expenses. Please consider contacting your local school/school district to find out how you can help. Anything you can do would be greatly appreciated.

One of my favorite sayings has always been "I can always make ends meet; sometimes I just have to cut more out of the middle." Please, let's help fill the middle for our neighbors... and let's take care of the children.

Handpuppet, thank you so much for posting this thread. Your compassion is heartwarming. :hug:

[bobbolink]

39. and so many teacher provide supplies for poor children out of their own

(meager) pockets!

:mad:

"I look forward to the day when schools have all the supplies they need, and the Air Force has to hold a bakesale to buy a bomber"

[Sapphire Blue]

43. It's not just school supplies, bobbolink, it's the basic necessities.

When I called a local school this afternoon, the principal said many of their children are in "dire circumstances. Some are even homeless. Any help would be a godsend." Seems like it's time for more crayons & peanut butter & friends & neighbors.

Anyone reading this & who is able to help, please call your local school/school district to find out how you can help our children (& their families) who are in less fortunate circumstances.

[bobbolink]

50. I'm sure there are many children lacking the "basic necessities"

Unfortunately, it's a bit difficult for individuals to provide basic adequate nutrition, a safe neighborhood, and...

A place to live!

So many are even without a home, and that has to be addressed at the state and national level. I don't see much action on this front. It's pretty hard for a child to do well in school without a home to go to, and certainly teachers can't provide that.

There is so much work to do in this country!!

Thanks for all your concern, and I hope many here will respond to your pleas on behalf of the school kids!

[Control-Z]

24. I have to be honest

I don't know a lot about the programs in our area but I became aware of something last year that just shocked me. Our local grocery store throws away their left over perishables. They do not give any of it away.

I spoke with one of the managers at length about it. I guess they were sued by someone who got sick after eating in a soup kitchen that they had donated to. Now anything left over goes straight into the dumpsters.

Pretty sad - some of the same hungry people still get their donations - by way of dumpster diving.

[theHandpuppet]

28. Actually, I've heard of that problem before.

But that's usually a problem which applies only to perishable items like meat, produce and dairy. Most food pantries welcome donations of bread, baked goods and the like, or even canned goods that might have a dent or two but are still fine.

[bobbolink]

51. Happened to me.

A couple of months ago, I hadn't had anything to eat in 3 days. I went to the agency where I had been invited to attend lunch twice a week. Because of an appointment, I missed that one lunch. I asked if they had any leftovers that I could have, because I hadn't eaten and I was hungry.

Yes, they had leftovers, and no I couldn't have it.

But, of course, I was supposed to be understanding.

And, no, there was no concern expressed that I hadn't had anything to eat.

Something is very wrong.

No wonder people in other countries view USians as humanity-challenged.

[Control-Z]

52. Wow - I'm really sorry that happened bobbolink.

I know what it is to be down on luck. Apparently there are some people who have never been down and out and who just can't imagine it - or refuse to. The lack of empathy and compassion is mind boggling. I can hear their excuses from here and none of them fly with me. Hungry is hungry. Period.

[theHandpuppet]

63. A parable from a wise teacher...

The Sheep and the Goats

"But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. Before him all the nations will be gathered, and he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.

Then the King will tell those on his right hand, 'Come, blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry, and you gave me food to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me drink; I was a stranger, and you took me in; naked, and you clothed me; I was sick, and you visited me; I was in prison, and you came to me.'

"Then the righteous will answer him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry, and feed you; or thirsty, and give you a drink? When did we see you as a stranger, and take you in; or naked, and clothe you? When did we see you sick, or in prison, and come to you?'

"The King will answer them, 'Most certainly I tell you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.' Then he will say also to those on the left hand, 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire which is prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry, and you didn't give me food to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me no drink; I was a stranger, and you didn't take me in; naked, and you didn't clothe me; sick, and in prison, and you didn't visit me.'

"Then they will also answer, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and didn't help you?'

"Then he will answer them, saying, 'Most certainly I tell you, inasmuch as you neglected to do unto one of these least of these, you neglected to do unto Me!"

-- the Book of Matthew, Chapter 25

[bobbolink]

68. I still can't figure out why this passage isn't given the emphasis it

obviously deserves!?!

What, it might actually affect people, enough to do the right thing?

I don't remember ever hearing a clergy person stressing exactly what this means in our lives.... certainly other cultures have a similar idea, and it is a strong part of their culture! (The Hawaiians immediately come to mind, and also the Greeks)

Thanks for the posting!

[bobbolink]

66. It hurts deeply when it's supposed to be people who are there to care

When a person is in need, and dependent on others for necessities, that kind of power tripping really hurts.

It's a big reason where there are so many who WON'T go for "help".

Thanks for your concern--I appreciate it!

[libnnc]

25. I know here in Winston-Salem.....

Second Harvest accepts S&H Greenpoints as a donation.

That makes it really easy. I've always got extra greenpoints to spare.

[theHandpuppet]

26. Very cool!

We don't have any stores around here that have anything like green stamps, but I'm a shark when it comes to sniffing out those "buy one, get one free" sales! Also, lots of grocery store chains now sell those gift cards in varying amounts. That might be an alternative, too.

[AngryOldDem]

27. Don't forget homeless shelters, please!

We are just about out of food, and it's very frightening.

All we need are canned goods of any kind and simply-prepared casseroles. Nothing fancy.

Thanks! :hi:

[theHandpuppet]

29. Where are you?

Are you speaking of your local homeless shelter or shelters in general? Some of the links I provided are for organizations which also serve the homeless but additional links are most welcome!

[AngryOldDem]

35. I'm sure all homeless shelters are in the same boat....

....like the food pantries, we're out of sight, out of mind during the summer.

Check out the Ohio forum...I also answered you there.

[Hubert Flottz]

30. When the people with lots of money don't need a tax write off...

because they don't pay taxes anymore, due to Bush's tax cuts, then the charities will go belly up.

WHAT...you mean you really thought those wealthy folks donated out of the goodness of their hearts?

[theHandpuppet]

32. You said it, Flottz!

The fact is, it is the poorest among us who give the greatest portion of their income to charity.

http://www.justgive.org/html/don_info/howmuch.html
Who Gives the Most?
"The people that give the most actually make the least. Households earning under $10,000 a year -- far below the poverty line -- gave 5.2% of their income to charity. That's a larger percentage of their money than any other income group."

Does anyone remember that story Jesus told his disciples about the widow who gave her last two coins? It's been a long while since I've heard that one but it's one of my favorites. Perhaps someone else here is more well-versed on this than moi.

[Boomer]

42. K&R

[theHandpuppet]

44. A kick for the weekend crowd

For those of you doing your grocery shopping this weekend, how about a little extra for your local food pantry/homeless shelter? :-)

[laylah]

45. Davenport, IA

Two of Davenport’s busiest food pantries are closing — one permanently and one for a move to a site farther north near Palmer College of Chiropractic.

The John Lewis Community Services pantry at 904 W. 6th St. will shut down July 31. The Sacred Heart pantry at 131 W. 3rd St. will close Aug. 4 and will not reopen at its new location until Aug. 14 at the earliest.

http://www.qctimes.com/articles/2006/07/25/news/local/doc44c5b0482ae2b599356244.txt

[theHandpuppet]

47. Some of the comments following that article are OUTRAGEOUS!

My God, what is wrong with us as a nation? I am really sorry to hear that the food pantries in Davenport are in such difficulty, but after reading some of the comments following the article I'm not surprised. Here are just a few...


Jobless? wrote on July 25, 2006 7:41 AM:"While I applaud the work the pantries and their volunteers do, I have to wonder why at least some of these folks can't get out and get jobs. I know there are circumstances that prevent some from working but Amber looks like she could be working. And there's detasseling and other kinds of summer jobs that her son could be doing to earn some extra cash. "

No excuses wrote on July 25, 2006 10:08 AM:"I know that there are some people who have physical or mental limitations that prevent them from working. But as for the others ... as "Pantries are not always used" points out, get some gumption and some ambition and get a job. The sad part is that there are folks out there who really need this help and they're too proud and have too much dignity to ask for it, while those who could be working are experts on which pantries have the best food. "

to volunteer wrote on July 25, 2006 10:33 AM:"If you are trying to raise a family you are responsible for finding a job better than Target at $7.50 an hour."

Former QC resident wrote on July 25, 2006 4:04 PM:"It appeared that the women in the picture was able bodied enough to be walking to get her freebee food. Maybe she needs to walk herself somewhere and get a job and take care of herself and her son rather than rely on the generosiy of others. Even when I was single and trying to feed myself and 3 kids, I worked and never asked for help. We all survived, I wasn't allergic to working hard."

Perfectly capable wrote on July 25, 2006 5:07 PM:"The same people who frequent homeless shelters and food pantries are the ones who knock on my door looking for work for cash. They are perfectly able to put in an honest day of work but why would they when they can get free food, shelter and tax free spending money? "

BTW, have you posted this to the Iowa forum?

[laylah]

69. I will post

in Iowa forum right now. I know what you are saying about the "feedback" to the article. I tell ya, ignorance is the order of the day in this here neck of the woods. After moving from here, living in Colorado for 28 years, then moving back after an unusually serious menopausal moment, I CANNOT believe these types of people exist~!

Jenn

[itzamirakul]

46. Besides the fact that I plan to help with donations, I must ask the

question...Where are the "Faith-based" groups now that they are needed? They have received financial assistance from the government to help the poor in place of our giving people actual government assistance.

Another thing that we forget when we talk about "smaller government" is that the government agencies that took care of such needs also provided jobs for people who are now outof work. So in cutting out these agencies, the Republicans have contributed to cutting out hundreds of thousands of jobs.

[theHandpuppet]

48. Honestly, itzamirakul, one thing I've noticed...

... is that many, many of the links I found to food pantries are run by faith-based groups. This seems to be especially true in poor rural areas as opposed to urban centers. I know that's the case in my town, too.

[itzamirakul]

49. OK, now please understand that I have absolutely no problem in donating

to the food banks or any other charity that is in need of assistance, but if money if given to these faith-based groups and they still need donors, it says to me that there are many, many more people who are not working and who need help in feeding their families which goes right back to eliminating the jobs that used to provide the services that the faith-based groups are now providing.

This makes absolutely no sense to me.

But despite all of what I have written, I do want to say that all of your work and effort and this thread that you have started are commendable and I appreciate your activities. Thanks you on behalf of all of the people who will benefit from what you are doing and will never know that you did it.

[butterfly77]

53. but the economy is wonderful...

[kineneb]

56. in honor of those of us who are poor, please donate

Some of you have read my comments on DU about our situation; suffice it to say that we are in the "system" due to Hubby's disability, and the only time it will change is when he dies. We rely on the charity of my family and the local gleaners/second harvest group to (almost) make ends meet. Please, if you can, donate food or money to these programs, in honor of your poorer cousins here at DU.

And for those of you who are able to do so, thank you and: :hug:

[theHandpuppet]

58. Hiya kineneb...

Would you mind giving us the names of any food banks near to you? There may be some DUers in your area who would like to donate to them.

Wishing you and yours all the best...

[kineneb]

60. we are out in the country,

and there are few DU folks here, so I hesitated in listing a specific group. Some communities have a clearinghouse with listing of all the local charities. I recommend checking with your local senior center, if you don't know who to contact, they are usually good with information.

---

This agency serves our entire county, all 65,000 of us, and helps lots of people:

Lake County Community Action Agency - (LCCAA)
P.O.Box 969
Clearlake CA 95422
Phone: [phone]

And here is what they do:

PROGRAMS:

1. Transitional Shelter: The agency operates the only transitional shelter in Lake County with a capacity of housing twenty-two people in five units; providing case management for shelter residents, including counseling, life skills training, access to job training and job development.

2. Emergency Food Pantry: Providing emergency for food for families and individuals.

3. Holiday Food and Toy Distribution: Helping over 700 families each year with resources for the holidays. Sign up is the week following Thanksgiving.

4. Information and Referral: Publishes a comprehensive resource directory on diskette for Lake County. Also provide information and referral services to clients and agencies in person or on the phone.

5. Works with other agencies (WIA, Goodwill, CalWorks, Experience Works, etc.) to provide training for individuals.

6. Meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous, Habitat for Humanity, Diabetes Support Group, Senior Health Screening & AIDS/HIV free testing and DAIP classes held at this location. Please call for dates and times.

7. Clothes and Career Closet.

[theHandpuppet]

61. Great! Thanks for the info

I believe sfexpat2000 is making a list for California much as I did for Ohio (and which I posted to the Ohio forum).

[savemefromdumbya]

57. So many supermarkets, cafeterias throw out perfectly good food

tons and tons of fodd is wasted every day yet no one can get it to the ones who need it. I contated our local Safeway who throw out mounds of nearly sell by date or overstock daily. There's NOTHING wrong with the food!:mad:

[theHandpuppet]

59. Is there a Second Harvest group near you?

If so, call them and let them know about this. Here's the home page for Second Harvest: http://www.secondharvest.org/

And here's the link for their food bank locator: http://www.secondharvest.org/zip_code.jsp

[savemefromdumbya]

64. Thank you!

[politicat]

65. Thanks for the reminder. I have garden produce and cabinets to clear.

Guess I know what I'm doing tomorrow!!

[guinivere]

67. I have 2 bags packed up for our local food pantry.

I'm going to try to get a couple of items every time I shop.

Thanks for the reminder.