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Does Your Community Have A Food Share Program? Join In Or Start Your Own!
In recent years, cuts in Federal and state programs have resulted in many food banks with virtually empty shelves of food stores to give to needy people. In a country as rich as America, this is a national disgrace. While we may not be able to press our legislators to provide this needed funding, at least not any time soon, we can initiate a grass roots food share program in our local communities.
Most major cities have organizations which sponsor food share programs, so many smaller, rural communities do not. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable segments of our population. It's well documented that many children and elderly people go to bed hungry every day. According to Federal statistics, it's estimated that forty million Americans are now considered impoverished! That's more than one seventh of us. It's easy to see why there's such a need for a food share program in your community.
It's easy enough to find out if your area has such programs. Call your Department of Human Resources to find out. If there are programs in place, give them a call to see how you might help. Volunteers can help to boost food donations. When you volunteer in a food share program, you are providing direct help to those kids, the elderly and all of the poor. It's one of the most valuable ways you can help to relieve the suffering induced by poverty.
You may find that, although your local programs are in place, they are in dire need of support. Here are a few ways, used by the larger metropolitan food programs, that you might introduce in your community with good results.
Restaurants which offer fine dining, do not generally save leftover dishes to serve the next day. Their diners expect the best and these restaurants do not want to risk their culinary reputation on a day old preparation. As a result, much of this food is thrown away! You can see if your food share program can arrange to solicit such restaurants for these meals and redirect the food to any of the local soup kitchens, to feed the poor. While someone going to a ritzy restaurant and paying a premium price for their meal may be dissatisfied with a serving of an entree made yesterday and re-warmed this evening, someone who will otherwise go hungry will find this to be a feast.
Grocery stores are often willing to donate, if only they are asked. Church groups are often active and generous participants. Door-to-door campaigns are another way to ask for canned or packaged food donations.
Should you find there are no food share programs in your community, start one! The easiest way to do this is to work under the auspices of an established organization, such as your church or school. Do your part to fight poverty. No one should go hungry in America.
Summary
Community food share programs are a benefit to everyone in your local area. Given the current economy, jobs are being lost and no one knows when they may be in need. Food share programs help fill the gap and can provide timely relief to those who may suddenly need it.
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