Some very depressing discussions on food banks today with people

[niyad]

in the field, not that everything we read and know already is not bad enough..My first conversation was with one of the union stewards at my local store. We were discussing various corporate policies, and how those will impact food banks. Supposedly, sales are down (and this is BEFORE 1 Nov) so they are cutting even more inventory (they are barely getting by on their barely-in-time inventories, and winter is coming, bringing storms, road closures, etc. No SNAP/WIC shoppers, less sales. Less sales, less inventory ordered. No surplus for donations to food banks, and the holidays are coming. And, of course, the astronomically--rising prices, and coming shortages.

Another conversation was with a person who volunteers at our local social services group. We were talking about donations already being down by over a third, perhaps more. The nearby food pantry to which they mostly refer their clients has experienced a serious decline in donations. And yet, this morning, there were 350 people in line, where there are usually about 50-70. And it is not even November yet. Last week, I was with a friend when he went to another food pantry, to talk to the volunteers. Donations are down, need is up, November and the holidays are coming.

Those GODDAMNED FUCKING BASTARDS WANT US ALL TO DIE!!!

I don't think there is enough alcohol to deal with the horror that has been unleashed.

[Joinfortmill]

1. Not good, not good at all.

[niyad]

4. I wanted to. .a: scream at corporate or grab what will get their attention

(assuming one could find ut!), and . .b: weep in outrage and horror at what I see coming.

[Joinfortmill]

12. Horribly cruel.

[niyad]

15. And that cruelty is, of course, the point for those fucking sadists.

[Hugin]

2. I gave to a local food bank today...

Probably a little more than I could afford. But, it’s a must.

[niyad]

3. Indeed it is. And also a good time to weed out one's closet. The social

services group I mentioned (not the food pantry) also gives out clothing.

[Hugin]

11. There's where I have the most to contribute.

Also, personal care items. Those are always in high demand.

[Skittles]

5. I donated

I gave to my local food bank on Giving Day, too.

I am urging anyone who can to donate to their local food bank! Yes indeed.

[jmbar2]

6. Possible silver lining...

The scope of poverty in the US has been masked by programs like SNAP. This might be the first time that non-SNAP users have truly seen the extent of need of ordinary working Americans.

SNAP enables prosperous corporations to grossly underpay workers. Removing that subsidy on such short notice will expose the ugly underbelly of American economy - the number of people - farmers, workers, and big corporations that are kept afloat by something so basic as money for food.

The true scope of need is about to become very visible to everyone. Perhaps it will build greater support for repairing the nation's safety net, rather than destroying it further.

[niyad]

7. May it be so.

[markodochartaigh]

10. I hope that you are correct.

But I remember refrigerator trucks parked beside hospitals holding cadavers during the worst spikes of the pandemic.
In Texas there were also food lines in which cars were lined up for miles.
I wonder what percentage of the US electorate remember that.

[BeerBarrelPolka]

14. Yep

and there were and still are people in denial about Covid. This will be no different. The folks who can get by financially will turn a blind eye to it all is my guess.

[yardwork]

18. I hope that is the result.

I agree that it's disgraceful that billionaires own companies that don't pay their workers enough to live. It's beyond horrifying. People work full-time for Amazon and still qualify for food stamps?! And the owner of Amazon, Jeff Bezos, is one of the wealthiest people in the world. And he's taken over the Washington Post and made it a propaganda machine for Trump. He's always right next to Trump at events.

These people are demons.

[czarjak]

8. Bend. The. Knee?

[niyad]

9. I don't even bend my middle digit!

[Buckeyeblue]

13. The director of a local food bank told me this antidote

Last fall after the election a regular at the food bank came in and told the director that she was excited that Trump won because he was going to fix the economy and everything would be better. The director looked at her and said, i guess we won't be seeing you then. The woman looked at her confused. The director said if things are going to be so much better you won't need us.

I only write to further show what others are writing. There are a number of MAGAs in poverty that voted for this. And they are going to see their life lines slowly--or maybe quickly--dissolve away.

Trump was elected on the backs of poor uneducated white people, of which we have no shortage. Democrats--and up until now Republicans--have kept this group afloat. We'll have to see how Republicans in Congress respond. Because this is their baby.

[markodochartaigh]

17. "Because this is their baby."

Even with a paternity test it can be difficult to make sure the dad acknowledges his responsibility. The entire Democratic party needs to make sure that the responsibility is plastered all over each and every Republican at every opportunity.

[ProfessorGAC]

16. I Give The Sub Money To 2 Food Banks

One that is about 6 blocks from our house & the other for the county.
I take $10 for gas and donate the rest.
So, unless I sub less they'll still be getting the same amount from us.

[yardwork]

19. May you be blessed. You are a good person.