Fight against hunger needs the community

It’s the most wonderful time of the year — unless you a) have no money any time of the year, b) just got laid off, c) are afraid you’re about to be laid off, or, d) a and b or a and c.

Those who don’t fit into any of the above categories aren’t exactly dancing around for joy, either. Who can spend money like they used to when the future is so uncertain? Add to that the blanket of depression following Sept. 11 and you’ve got a recipe for disaster at food banks everywhere.

Food bank workers are always reminding us that poor people need to eat year-round, not just during the Thanksgiving and Christmas season. Now, they’re begging for food at a time of year when they used to be at their best.

A recent Herald article about the bare cupboards at the Volunteers of America warehouse, on Broadway in Everett, brought hefty and generous donations that very day from labor, business and community groups and individuals. But no doubt much more will be needed in the coming weeks and months.

The Little family of Camano Island had it right in their letter to the editor last week reminding us that we need to take care of our neighbors. "We don’t need to look to other countries to see poverty and hunger. We can look next door or down the block."

Some people point out that even the poorest of Americans don’t understand what poverty is like in a Third World country. That may well be true. But hunger is hunger anywhere. And it’s a sad day when we can’t help out our neighbors who are having real trouble making ends meet.

Last week, students from Everett High School braved a string of cold evenings to collect donations outside a grocery store. They didn’t nag or beg customers on their way in. The students’ purpose and message was clear and articulate. And the young men and women graciously thanked those who gave anything. No doubt there are many other young people doing the same thing at supermarkets throughout Snohomish County.

Most of us can fork out change for an extra can of pumpkin pie or a box of baking mix during our routine trips to the market. Every little bit helps. And this is one situation where you don’t have to feel bad about giving a food bank some money and letting them do the shopping. They don’t mind. In fact, the workers know how to get the best deal for your dollars by buying in bulk. (Maybe we ought to elect them to public office).

Snohomish County has more than 15 food banks from Stanwood to Mountlake Terrace. You can find out more on The Herald’s Web site, where there’s a list of food bank addresses and phone numbers and the original story at http://www.heraldnet.com/stories/01/10/26/14606686.CFM. This year, the more you know, the more you will want to help.

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