|
|
OpinionCommunity obligation is one of feeding the hungryOne basic obligation of a successful community is to feed the hungry. March is Minnesota FoodShare Month during which community residents are urged to contribute dollars and food to their local food shelf. Minnesota FoodShare, sponsored by the Minneapolis Council of Churches, raises money from individuals and corporations, and shares a portion of that with food shelves throughout Minnesota. The amount depends on how much Minnesota FoodShare obtains and how much the local food shelf raises in March ñ the more raised locally, the more dollars from the Minnesota FoodShare. Last year, 1.32 million individuals were served food from the food shelves. The trend of use throughout Minnesota, including the suburban communities, is up from the 10 per cent increase in patrons last year. Layoffs in the airline industry, in particular, have hit suburban families hard. In Dakota County, families who had jobs related to the airline industry are using the food shelves. Whatís disturbing is the increasing use of food shelves by the elderly. Last year across the state, 20 percent of food shelf users were elderly, who, despite their pride, turned to the food shelves, allowing them to use social security dollars to buy medicine. In many cases, those who come to the food shelves are employed; some are two-wage-earner families. Their wages arenít enough to make ends meet. The good news is that local church members and school students again are having food drives and penny drives for Minnesota FoodShare month. Local businesses also are contributing needed dollars. Local and state officials are confident that the amount of food and dollars will be increased. To contribute to Minnesota FoodShare use gmcc.org/MFS, or send donation to Minnesota FoodShare, P.O. Box 7509, Minneapolis, 55407. ©ECM Post Review |