Serious post. If you have any extra money at all, please read.

[Lyric]

(cross-posted to The Lounge)

Right now, food prices are going up and food bank donations are down. As a member of the "poor class" (with some education, thank goodness) please let me humble myself to ask.

If you have any extra money, PLEASE donate to your local food bank. Poor Americans are in a dire situation. You know the annoyingly high electricity and gas bill you're paying? Poorer Americans are dealing with the same thing, with less resources. I personally know of a woman just a couple of mobile homes down who's eating canned cat food and rice. There's an elderly woman down the street who's living on canned green beans and white rice.

People are desperate. Please god, if you have anything you can spare...help. If you need help finding a resource, I will PERSONALLY assist you. Consider this a request on my knees. I will GLADLY volunteer my time, but I'm just as poor as they are. I have no money to give. This request to those who are better off than me is the best I can do.

Please, please. Even if it's just cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie mix from your cupboard. Anything helps.

On my knees for the hungry of America,
Brandy

[babylonsister]

1. Kick and recommend for your kind heart. nt

[Booster]

2. A heartbreaking post. On my next trip to the store I will grab what

canned goods are on sale and take them to our local food bank in your name.

[Rhythm]

12. Thank you,

When you do, remember Marcy and Herb.

They're an elderly couple three trailers down from us. My son almost wrecked on his bike today, and Marcy walked down here to make sure he was okay. She and I talked...it got around to her telling me how horrible their situation was.

They aren't eligible for Food Stamps. We're going through our cupboard now, trying to figure out what we can spare.

Thank you for caring.
:hug:

[madamesilverspurs]

96. Food Banks are a blessing.

One of the worst aspects of financial insufficiency is the indignity heaped upon its sufferers. Those government agencies that are supposed to "help" are all too often under-staffed, poorly staffed, or staffed by individuals who are indifferent at best. Applicants often leave those offices frustrated, humiliated, stressed and frightened. And empty-handed.

A friend who worked at a local food bank tells of a woman who came there directly after being denied food stamps for her family; on the brink of tears she asked, "Am I going to get yelled at here, like I was at social services?" (She was not yelled at, she was treated with respect, and she left with food for her family.) Her immediate need was met because of those who gave food, money, and volunteer time.

In an imperfect world, exercizing compassion for others is one of the most perfect things we can do.

[lastliberalintexas]

108. Money is better

Of course most food banks are grateful for whatever kind of donations they can get, but money goes so much further. Food banks are able to buy in bulk and at discounted prices, so the 50 cents that you use to buy a single can of green beans could buy 5 cans instead if done by the food bank.


I hope you don't mind me butting in, but having volunteered at a food bank I can tell you that food banks can stretch a dollar further than you can imagine. The fact that they are having problems in spite of this talent is telling.

[flvegan]

3. K&R!

Thanks for crossposting, too.

:hi:

[mdmc]

4. I don't have two pennies to rub together

but we still find somehow to donate.
20 grand in debt, and we are fucking lucky compared to some most.

[Lisa0825]

5. You brought me to tears.

I will donate to my locate center. :pals:

[CoffeeCat]

6. Ohmygosh...

...that makes me so sad. Just so sad.

Thank you for this message. We all need to hear it.

I think local food pantries are hurting because people who normally donate are also falling on hard times.

This is an important message though. If all of us gave, just a little--those "littles" make a big difference.

(((sigh))))

[MuseRider]

7. K&R

Will do, have done, will continue to do. It is only right to do it.

Thank you.

[oldtime dfl_er]

8. but..but..but...

I thought it was a mental recession? I thought we were all just whiners!

Seriously, though, I'm K & R this post because yesterday as I was taking the bus past our local foodbank, I saw that the lines were longer than I've ever seen them. It breaks my heart and makes me want to scream SCREW YOU to the current administration, the current Republican candidate (and his heartless economic advisors) and every giant corporation in the country.

So thank you, Brandy, for reminding us all.

[dipsydoodle]

9. You're obviously

one of that rare breed of kind souls.:hug:

[formercia]

10. This is what I love about DU

Meeting people who can really make a positive difference in this world.

God bless you.

[Lyric]

26. This is what makes us better than the Freepers.

We CARE. About more than ourselves. Unashamedly.

Shameless kick for hungry Americans.

:kick:

[Runcible Spoon]

11. KnR for your GD thread too!

:hug: to you!

[grasswire]

13. one of us on DU -- a long-time fighter against the BFEE ---

...is losing his home. He predicts he'll have to live in a campground with his little child and wife. In America. In debt for trying to free his countrymen from the grip of tyrants.

Those who have the ability to do so must soften their hearts and come alongside the hungry, the homeless, the hurting victims of the Bush economy.

I will do everything I can, as small as it may be, to show my liberalism through sacrifice and giving. I hope each of us will do the same.

[bicentennial_baby]

14. Everyone should make a box...

Each time you shop, but a couple non-perishables, and set them aside in a box for the food bank. When it's full, donate it. :)

[Lyric]

17. Indeed,

We do the best we can, even with our limited resources.

Anyone who has ever been "poor" would do well to heed this call for help.

:hug:

[bicentennial_baby]

18. I've been there sister

Food stamps, food bank, dented can store. I feel you.

Glad to have you back, btw. :hug:

[Lyric]

19. This place is addictive.

More seriously, this is the only place I know of to find people who care enough about their fellow citizens to offer help. It's the only place that hasn't been infiltrated by Freeper paranoids.

Love you sweetness :hug:

[Radio_Lady]

59. We've been there also... unemployment hit us in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

All five kids were on free lunches; both of us drew unemployment checks and luckily, we were qualified for 15 week extensions. There were long lines in the Marlboro, Massachusetts Division of Employment Security. We went to the local Catholic church and got canned and fresh foods, along with many other household items. It was touch and go for awhile as my husband retrained (after several job losses) and started on his software career. Earlier, my radio job got him the medical coverage and care he needed to repair a ruptured disk in his back. A few years later, there was a bone spur that had to come out... another back operation. I had a couple of hospitalizations, but the insurance problems were not as evident then.

On other occasions, we helped the poor in Boston. When I left Massachusetts, I had hundreds of personal items which I donated back to the same Catholic church. The clothes were snapped up by many Hispanic women in the area. The looks on their faces were amazing. I brought beautiful items that I knew I could probably sell at consignment stores, but time was short, it was March, and we had to close on the house the first week in April, and fly out to our new location. Those people were so grateful... I brought mostly warm clothing and a lot of beautiful costume jewelry on successive days when their thrift shop was open.

Here in Oregon, we support the Good Neighbor Center, a local facility near our home that can house 40 families transitioning from addictions, drug use, housing problems, and prison. I bring them the left-overs from local garage sales (there are dozens every weekend) as well as unclaimed clothing from local cleaners. The large stores around here donate lots of staples such as day-old bread, ripe fruit, and lots of other foods.

We also spread the message from the West Hills Unitarian Universalist fellowship. Tomorrow, Sunday, I'll be at a service focusing on how we can get through this in an America which has become so much less than many of us remember it used to be.

Cordially,

Radio Lady Ellen Kimball

[dflprincess]

51. The grocery store I shop at makes it so easy

Near the front check outs they have bags of food already set up. You just haved to pick the bag up and put it in your cart when you check out the carry out takes it over and puts it in the barrel. The bag costs $5.00 and I try and grab one when I do my weekly shopping. It's a good way for me to let the universer know I remember that a few years ago I was unemployed and getting desperate when I was fortunate enough to land a new job.

[bliss_eternal]

62. Great suggestion!

:thumbsup:

[knitter4democracy]

79. That's what we do. Good idea.

I set out an extra bag by the back door.

[Midlodemocrat]

88. My Kroger has the boxes made up for you.

$9.50 for a box of staples that goes to the food bank.

I buy at least 2 every time I go. The thought of people going hungry in this country just sickens me.

[Baby Snooks]

15. Please note the difference between "food bank" and "food pantry"

In many of our cities, the food banks are central warehouses where the nice little sacks of groceries you buy at the grocery store and put in the nice little red barrels are taken and then restocked and then RESOLD to the food pantries. Many of the food pantries have seen increases just as we have. And cannot afford to buy what they used to.

The little grocery sacks in the little red barrels may make you feel good but in reality they are not helping anyone but the employees of the food bank and in particular the executive director. The food you donate that the food pantries then buy of course pays their salaries.

Donate food and personal items such as toothpaste and toilet paper to the food pantry closest to you. If you are too lazy to do so, send them a check. But realize when you do you are costing them money because they will have to buy the food you could have just dropped off. If you can afford to, drop off the food and the check. That allows them to use the check to buy the things they need most and cannot afford.

People don't like to think of "charity" in this country as "big business" but it is. And some of it is run acccording to business model of Enron rather than the business model of the Sisters of Charity.

[mloutre]

39. true dat. and thanks for the clueing-in comment for those who didn't know!

[Muttocracy]

45. I had no idea of that distinction - thank you

[unapatriciated]

50. Most Trader Joes donate to local food pantries on a daily basis.

We pull our perishables codes early (this is one of the reasons we don't have sales, like other grocery stores) and freeze so that they have a longer shelf life. When I and my fellow employees pull codes we take great care in packing so as not to damage any of the food such as bread, fruit and vegetables.

[file83]

85. Yet another reason to shop at Trader Joes! I love your store!

[NikolaC]

69. Thank You

I did not know that there was a difference.

[shireen]

94. Maryland Food Bank contributions are NOT RESOLD to pantries

I can't speak for other food banks, but according to the Maryland Food Bank faq, at http://www.mdfoodbank.org/site/pp.asp?c=ahKKI2PKIsE&b=218171#howisthefooddistributed , the food is FREE. However, the pantries and other community food distributors pay a small fee to help the food bank with processing and transportation costs, about 8c to 14c per pound. The food bank itself gets its money for administration and staff salary from donors. I also checked the salary of their CEO, and felt that it was reasonable, considering the nature of her job.

Check your food bank practices before making a decision about donating to them. Not all of them re-sell to pantries. I'l proud of what the Maryland Food Bank is doing, and will continue to support them.

But the big national charities are a different story -- some of their CEOs make ridiculously high salaries.

[Baby Snooks]

103. Weigh a sack of groceries sometime....

Weigh a sack of groceries sometime and then stop and think about the 8-14 cents per pound. Not to mention the cost of gas involved regardless of whether the food bank delivers it or as in most cases the food pantry picks it up.

Most food pantries are staffed by volunteers from affiliated churches. There is no overhead. There is no executive director being paid a salary. Or a staff being paid a salary. Those that are paid are paid for by donations from the affiliated churches. And they are not paid that much.

Sorry but I just really feel in these times that we are in that every penny spent on direct donations does far more good. Convenience is nice but it is not charity. And dropping the nice little sack of groceries into the nice little red barrel is convenience. If you're going to buy the sack of groceries, at least take it to the food pantry yourself.

[shireen]

105. however, a food bank has the infrastructure to collect food on a larger scale

They have the organizational infrastructure to work with companies and grocery chains, not just individual donors. The smaller food pantries don't have those kinds of resources. Each entity does what they're good at: the food bank collects and distributes, the pantries feed those in need in their communities.

Keep in mind, also, the kinds of food donations that are received. Food pantries need very specific items in the right proportions. It's hard for them to locally collect the required varieties of food to meet their needs. But the food bank, that collects from a wider variety of sources, is able to put together the right kinds of packagers that pantries need.

Both state or county food banks (that don't charge for food beyond requiring some money for infrastructure) and local food pantries are worthy of help.

[flygal]

112. Great advice - will do that instead of a check

and it'll be a good lesson for my kids.

[NYC_SKP]

16. For my friends in San Francisco:

One of the largest food banks in the world, something like 50,000 meals a day.

This link is for donating, volunteering, or if you need it, finding ways to feed yourself.

http://www.sffoodbank.org/Home/index.html

:patriot:

[RainDog]

20. And for the parents of students in college

I've worked in dorms for college students in which they HAVE TO buy meal plans for x amt. of dollars (and I got partially paid in "meal points" -for food I didn't want- for a portion of my time working there.) Anyway, the meal points at the big U where I was expire at the end of a year.

So we all went to the convenience stores on campus and bought canned goods and shaving cream and soap and anything else we could and donated those things to orgs in town. One here feeds and lets homeless ppl take showers, for instance, so disposable razors were good things too.

If you have a student in a similar situation, if they don't already, encourage them to spend the meal points that will expire on items to feed the hungry. This is probably more applicable for fall - and even then students can buy a canned good each week and create a donation box between a group of students.

[Lyric]

24. As a college student, I agree,

I am fortunate enough to NOT be forced to buy a "meal plan", but I know lots of students who are. We're a non-trad family; college students who are outside of the typical guidelines. Others aren't so lucky.

Anything in the world can help a hungry family. Anything--a box of Pop-Tarts, a can of creamed corn, ANYTHING.

Thank you for caring. :hug:

[rucognizant]

83. Oh PLEEEEZ octoberain

Eeuuuuuuuu.POPTARTS! HOW humiliating to be forced to eat them or go hungry. THEY AREN"T HEALTHY FOOD!
I grew up in the Garden State, I used to hang out with restauranteurs graduated from the Culinary Institute of America. I have dined out with the President of that Institution. They admired me for my ability in the kitchen....
I have had to resort to food pantries in my Senior Years............
It's GODAWFUL GHASTLY! tobasco flavored popcorn? boxed macaroni & cheese, canned corn, & peas.............nasty little boxed juices with high fructose corn syrup.

"Man can not live by bread alone"!
MEAT FISH DAIRY(CHEESE) COFFEE TEA! FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES.....very hard to come by.
Sadly, in many cases younger Americans generous, well meaning, have been deprived of good nutritional education, in the public schools and are in spite of themselves propagandized by the food corps.
CHeese is a good source of protein and can be made into hundreds of dishes..........and the Government surplus stock of cheese is empty. I remember in years past, people who didn't really need Govt. surplus food wound up with cheese BECAUSE there was enough to go around and it wasn't big deal. My husband's aunt had 3 or 4 " of water in the BACK of her basement when her town flooded......NOTHING like KAtrina or Iowa.....she lived in the old family homestead, never had a mortgage, never had children, was a tenured school teacher.. DIDN't need the cheese! But she got it. ( late 60's)
WHen I was a college student in my 50's no income except work study.. I didn't get cheese. The local bakeries donated bread to students, and the school provided soup lunch every Thurs. Now I make my own bread,.it's cheaper, than buying.
If you can personalize it. Make 2 not one dinners and give to someone in need, if you know where they are.......
like Americans used to do when someone in the family was ill or died. In my rural we are all growing extra veggies.......

[Bluebear]

21. What a wonderful post. I will be going to my local warehouse store tomorrow...

...and buying some extra food in bulk to donate to the food bank here. I prefer to do it that way rather than give money because you never know how an organization is spending those funds these days...

Done in your honor and thank you for the wonderful reminder.

[cpamomfromtexas]

22. I'm planning our Cub Scout Food Drive- My goal this year is 9000 cans

Last year we collected 5721 cans with about 20 boys (my boys are 10 and 7). Some of the parents complained about my planning so much I almost was in tears. But when we got the job done, the lady that runs the food pantry was so thrilled. She said that had never happened in the history of the food bank.

I guess I got so caught up in getting the coordination done that I didn't explain to my 7 year old what the food pantry did. One day he asked me what "less fortunate" meant. The only way I could explain it was to relate it to the food pantry and told him that when people didn't have money for food they could go there and get it without paying. He got real quiet and then got a really big smile on his face and then said "that's awesome!"

[1776Forever]

23. So true! We are one among thousands loosing our home & moving on but we can still help some.

The Ever Widening Spread Between Haves and Have-nots

ITscout: February 28, 2006

America is fundamentally broken.

In 1960 the gap in wealth between the top 20% and the bottom 20% was 30-fold. Today it's 75-fold.

Thirty years ago the average annual compensation of the top 100 CEOs was 30 times the pay of the average worker. Now, it's 1,000 times.

As great wealth has accumulated at the top, the rest of society has failed to keep up. The top 10% of earners have captured almost half the total income gains in the past four decades. The top 1% have gained the most -- more than all the bottom 50% combined. Meanwhile, working men and women and their families are strained to cope with the rising cost of health care, housing, and higher education -- all of which have risen in price much faster than typical family incomes.

[Lyric]

25. Thank you.

:hug: for you and yours.

Any gods that exist, HELP us through this. God, please.
:cry:

[1Hippiechick]

104. So sorry to hear that, and I hope you have somewhere to go......

:cry:

[Lyric]

27. For those looking for somewhere to donate:

If you can't find anywhere local, and are looking for a non-profit group dedicated to relieving poverty...here's one.

The Connecting Link
235 High Street, Rm 211
Morgantown, WV 26505

They help pay essential bills (rent, power, gas) for poor people in West Virginia. They can always use help.

Thank you so much in advance. :hug:

Edit: If you would prefer that your money be used solely for food, just tell them so. There's a food bank next door.

[cally]

28. Thank you

I donate money routinely but you have inspired me to also look through my cupboards and donate what I can.

[geek_sabre]

29. Volunteering your time is helpful as well

I volunteer weekly for our local Catholic Charities food pantry. They can also always use help sorting other donations, such as clothes and appliances, or even just spending time with and/or running errands for the elderly and shut-ins in your area.

everyone can do something.

[Baby Snooks]

56. St. Vincent de Paul Society

Most cities have a St. Vincent de Paul Society in each parish and most serve non-Catholics as well as Catholics. Their food pantries are different than most since they tend to work with the clients in terms of what they need most. I was told they try to give clients two weeks of food when they can and give them sufficient variations of fruits and vegetables and pasta in addition to the usual rice and beans and Ramen noodles that fill most of the bags that the food pantries give to clients.

What most food pantries need most are canned meats and fish to allow variety in the diet. Tuna is not a good daily staple. Add a can of salmon, a can of chicken breast, a can of ham, a can of chili, and a can of ravioli and with crackers and breads and pasta and soups, particularly "cream of" soups and you have given someone something for dinner for six days other than rice and beans and Ramen noodles.

Call the food pantries. Ask them what they need most. And please, forget the nice little sacks of groceries and the nice little red barrels. They really do not provide what needs to be provided. And you really aren't helping anyone but the food bank which will SELL the food to the food pantries. That is not charity.

St. Vincent de Paul Society also will help on utility bills and while I am not a big supporter of Catholic Charities I am a big supporter of St. Vincent de Paul Society. Particulary with regard to their food pantries. Which no longer just serve the poor. More and more they are also helping the middle class which simply cannot stretch the dollar any further and is finding that food is not a necessity but a luxury. Sometimes after paying rent or the mortgage and the light bill and filling the tank up with gas to get to work, there is nothing left over.

That is a harsh reality for a growing number of Americans.

[fight4my3sons]

30. k&r

again, thank you :)

[Voice for Peace]

31. If you have a few square feet of space and some sunlight & water & dirt

you can grow an abundance of really nutritious & easy to grow greens,
enough for all the neighbors.

[truedelphi]

43. That works if you own your property

If you don't, the landlord often has hired hands come in and although they don't mean to be mean,
they don't necessarily NOT walk on top of planted things while leaf blowing.

[Voice for Peace]

53. You can plant in a bin or a box, or build a simple frame. It's not hard.

It's incredibly rewarding to grow some of your own food. Grow organic and
you've got an amazing source of nutrition, in a little box outside your door.

[truedelphi]

90. Like I said, they don't mean to be mean but they DO walk all over - right on top

Of the bins and boxes, for what reason I don't know. :-(

This is the first time in five yrs I could plant something, as my new landlord doesn't hire leaf blowers to come in every 14 days.

[Voice for Peace]

93. maybe you need a string fence around it then, so they can't step on it.

there's always a solution... gotta keep believing that.

[Alameda]

44. You can also do guerrilla gardening by spreading seeds

around any place that has soil.....

[rhett o rick]

32. I volunteer at a food bank and agree with the post. Also, what many don't understand

is that, in our area anyway, those coming in to get food only get enough for about 3 days per month unless they qualify for a special program. Donation are down and the number in need is up. We ask people to donate their extra produce from home gardens. And don't forget to donate pet food. The pets get hungry too.

[Lyric]

33. YES. I cannot stress this enough.

Food banks only give enough for a few days, and most of them have rules about how often any household can get food from them.

If you can afford it, PLEASE, give. I don't have much to offer, but I can offer this: I am an award-winning and talented poet. If you give to your local food bank, I *WILL* write you a short poem for any occasion that you wish--a wedding, a funeral, a graduation, etc. PM me the details and consider it done.

I will do ANYTHING to see my fellow poor Americans fed. Anything.

Much love,
Brandy

[ThoughtCriminal]

34. Here's what we do

We keep a small stash of non-perishable emergency food. But, long before it expires, we donate the contents and re-stock.

[Lyric]

35. That's good of you.

Hopefully many more Americans feel the same way.

:kick:

[mloutre]

36. no matter how much you have, or how little you have, you can do this thing.

This is where the rubber meets the road, y'all. This is where it gets real.

If you have only two cans of baked beans in your cupboard, give one to the person who doesn't have any.

If you have two only dollars in your wallet, give one to the person who doesn't have any.

If you have only two hours to spare tomorrow, give one of them to those who need your help.

If you have the time & wherewithal to sit there where you are and read this message online right now, then you have the ability to make a very real difference to those who need it most tomorrow.

Don't just sit there and be a mouse potato. Get up off your asterisk and do something to help those who need it most.

Trust me, you'll go to sleep tomorrow night feeling a whole lot better about yourself.

And for all the right reasons, too.

And if that ain't worth it, then I don't know what is.

[flamingyouth]

37. At the food bank near us demand has risen 55% since the beginning of the year.

Sadly, donations have not kept pace. Thank you for posting this.

[Missy Vixen]

38. Brandy, I hope that everything you've tried to do for those who have less

comes back to you a thousandfold.

You are a truly kind person.

We will make a donation to the local food bank this week on your behalf, and I will do my best to make regular donations in the future.

Thank you for the reminder.
Julie

[emilyg]

40. I do. Also feed or give money

to whoever I meet during the day that is hungry.

[Lyric]

41. For those looking for an address:

To donate to the most worthy organization I can think of:

The Connecting Link
235 High Street, Rm 211
Morgantown, WV 26505

If you'd rather donate to an individual Democratic family, PM me for an address.

:grouphug:

We are only as strong as our weakest members. Does it make me a bad person that I pay attention to such things? Poor people voting Democratic draw me like a lodestone. There are people who (sometimes) are voting against their own best interests to do what's right. That MATTERS to me. I collect their names. PM me for a list, if you want to donate.

[CrispyQ]

42. I bought half a food share at my local CSA.

This time of year they give us so many greens we can't possibly eat them all in a week, so I took my extras to the local food bank. I thought they were going to kiss me. They were so grateful to get fresh produce. I donate a couple bags of canned & dry goods every month, but I'm going to start including some fresh produce in my next donation.

[lonestarnot]

46. Feed the homeless every day and that is a commandment!

I just said so! :hug:

[annabanana]

47. Every supermarket in America ought to have a "drop site"

by the exit (which is well advertised at the entrance) for donations to local soup kitchens and pantries. There are groups that staff this kind of collection site periodically.. but it should be there year-round.

[Muttocracy]

48. bump

[Lyric]

49. bump again

Because it's not about ME.

:grouphug:

[Sunnyshine]

52. I will go tomorrow. Beautiful to see such dedication to a cause. May your compassion carry on.

Thank you Brandy! :grouphug:

[TommyO]

54. Thank you for posting this!

I have a surplus of non-perishable or canned food (its easy to do with a Costco membership and my mother's hoarding gene) and will be searching out a resource in the Bethlehem, PA area to donate some of this food

[bertman]

55. This post is so heartbreaking

plus it makes me feel so stupid for not being more aware of what's going on around me. Although, our area has weathered this fairly well so far. I have a feeling it's about to get a lot worse.

Thank you for this reminder for our compassionate side.

[w8liftinglady]

57. so.ermail me if u need help

[cliffordu]

58. kicked.

And recommended.

[Mojorabbit]

60. Another help

I learned about on this board was angel food ministries. http://www.angelfoodministries.com/
Low cost food.

[orleans]

61. i'll pick up some extra items tomorrow when i go to the store

thanks for the heads up/reminder.

[Divine Discontent]

63. I do have two pennies to rub together & I made a donation in your honor through an online gift eom

[pokercat999]

64. Also check out FREECYCLE.com it's a group at

Yahoo that gives stuff away rather than throwing it away. You will find just about anything (not usually foods stuff though) that is used but still serviceable.

Here is a sample of the list from my inbox this morning it is just a sample from a small town in central VA group:

Small tv stand, small wooden table, wooden rocking horse, lawn
spreader, boys clothes sizes 2t to siz 8, lawn mower, bathroom rack,
mens t-shirts size medium

Wedding dress and veil size 12

I have 7 young Partridge Rock roosters that need new homes. These boys are going to be
beautiful and I wish I could keep them, but my neighbors don't agree. They are just finishing
feathering out so it will be a while before they crow.

Everyone should join your local group and SHARE rather than discard!

[mloutre]

73. actually, try freecycle.org (but thanks for bringing it to our attention anyway)

There may well be an associated Yahoo group, but freecycle.com just takes you to a generic search listing page.

On the other hand, this is the link to the primary Freecycle site:

http://www.freecycle.org/">http://www.freecycle.org/

[pokercat999]

110. oops, thanks I'm not so good with these internets tubes

and stuff.

[bean fidhleir]

65. You too can help - by encouraging different eating habits

The woman eating the tinned cat food is paying much more than she should. She's eating the meat out of habit, not out of need. A vegetarian diet is cheaper.

For example: combining red beans and seasoning with the rice, she could have a better-tasting meal with more nutrition for much less money. There are THOUSANDs of receipes available from at least a dozen traditions - Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Mexican, and African are the main groups.

Humans are omnivores. Cats need to eat the flesh of other creatures to get by, but humans don't.

[file83]

86. Not only that, but I'm fairly sure the lady is increasing her chances of getting a food-born illness

because "cat food" isn't fit for human consumption.

The last thing a hungry person needs is to get sick with ecoli or something.

I mean, if people think Taco Bell meat is gross, look at what goes into cat food...:puke:

[bean fidhleir]

89. *VERY* well caught! A lot of the tinned stuff isn't even fit for CAT consumption, really

It's definitely not fit for the less-specialized human digestive tract.

[iamjoy]

66. Here's Something Horrifying

I was listening to NPR (this was a few weeks ago) and they were talking to one food bank director who said supplies were low. It was so bad, they were having to ration baby formula. They used to give three cans, and now could only give one.

The food bank director acknowledged it was entirely possible that some women were diluting the formula they fed their babies!

I guess it's been about a month since I have donated money, so it is time again. Thanks for the reminder.

By the way, for the animal lovers, I found a great program from my local SPCA. Even though I'm an animal lover, I feel sort of guilty helping animals when people are suffering. The SPCA has a program to work with social service organizations in the community and buy pet food to help low income senior keep their pets. It was a great way to reconcile my dilemma. I am helping a person, because if the pet food is donated, the recipient can save their limited money for their own needs. Plus, the SPCA volunteer actually drops off the food, so if the senior doesn't get out much, it's another person sort of checking in on them each month. The person also gets to keep their companion. This is good for the pet too, as they get to stay in a loving home rather than winding up in a shelter where the mostly likely outcome is being euthanized.

[MissDeeds]

67. K & R

Hope this will generate a lot of letters to the editor so the word gets out. Thanks for posting this.

[NikolaC]

68. K&R

I usually donate to Second Harvest and my son's school used to take food donations at certain times of the year. However, we never have donated to the local food bank. That is something that we are definitely going to do now though. Bless you and I hope that things will change for the better for you and so many of those who are suffering right now.

[mloutre]

70. Another really useful way to help in this age of sky-high gas prices

...is to volunteer to help people get around town -- to their doctors' appointments, therapy sessions, family visits, etc. -- some groups have programs that you can donate to that will provide gas credits to those that have cars but can't afford fuel -- and some make it possible for those in need to get public transit passes they could not otherwise afford -- but in any case, finding ways to help provide transportation can often be as valuable as providing food.

And as has been noted elsewhere in this thread, do not underestimate the value of providing for the pets of those in need also. In a surprising number of cases, the duty/honor/joy of providing for their precious animal companion is the only thing that keeps a person down on their luck from giving up entirely on a daily basis. Animal companions can be the most important thing to those in need sometimes, especially those who are lonely and/or ill, and the value of that should not be downplayed.

[Baby Snooks]

75. Pet food pantries...

Those need to be in place as well to be honest but sadly the attitude is that if you can't afford to take care of the pet, you should take it to the SPCA. Which most likely will put it to sleep. Ours really is not a charitable country. It just seems to be.

With no offense to anyone I really cannot fathom how sending a check or making an online donation to a food bank is helping anyone but yourself. There's not a church with a food pantry close by? Call them and see what they need most. And take it to them.

[OwnedByFerrets]

71. K and R

[dysfunctional press]

72. we're only two people, but we have a large garden- the excess goes to the food bank.

i'm on permanent disability myself, so money is generally tight.

[ourbluenation]

74. I can tell you that most of the competive grants in my area are going to immediate needs orgs like

food banks. They have been bumped up to the front of the line. My non profit (I run domestic violence/sexual assault safe house and counseling center) got bumped back this year by a very well known donor - all the awards were for local food banks and I totally get it.

[Iwillnevergiveup]

76. You've really hit on something, Brandy

You know, with all the frustration we've experienced (especially over the past 7 years) with fighting for what we know is right, working directly to favorably impact average peoples' lives makes a lot of sense to me. Yeah, maybe Rove and Bush and Cheney, etc. will live out a happy life even though they don't deserve it. But there are millions of other regular folks who need and deserve help now.

Steve Lopez, an L.A. Times journalist, wrote a wonderful book called "The Soloist" that got homelessness lots of attention in this city. He befriended a homeless, schizophrenic black man who at one point in his life had been enrolled at Julliard! Lopez describes the months and years he spent helping this one person get his life back on track. And he updates his columns occasionally on the man's progress.

I was going to donate this book to my public library, but if you pm me, I'll send it to you and then you can pass it along to someone else who cares or your own library. This thread of caring DUers told me it's the right thing to do.

[Muttocracy]

95. looked up info about that book - sounds fascinating

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-et-book21apr21,0,4689884.story

[Joe Chi Minh]

77. Is it possible for you to set up a facility for debit card Visa payments?

Would a local bank help you to do this 'pro bono', so to speak, if you would be charged for it? Are you a member of PayPal or the other international payment outfit (can't remember the name)? If so, perhaps you could head a food-distribution centre (food bank?). I can usually afford a certain amount per week and would be pleased to send someting asap.

You may think you are on your knees. But if so, most of the rest of us are morally supine in comparison, and you're walking tall.

[knitter4democracy]

78. Good reminder.

I'll get some things and write out a check this week to drop off what I've got. Mine also takes fresh garden produce, so I'll donate my next batch of collard greens. They told me one family was really thankful for it.

Oh, and another thing they need--gluten-free and vegetarian items. Not everyone can eat tuna sandwiches.

[Juan_de_la_Dem]

80. Outstanding

[L0oniX]

81. I'm already feeding the homeless every Saturday. Thru and Fri no one is feeding anyone here. Help!

[electron_blue]

82. I doubled my contributions to a local food bank starting back in Feb of this year.

I didn't have enough food during two long periods in my life, and never forgot that feeling of scanning the ground and vending machines for spare change.

[file83]

84. K&R

[Spiffarino]

87. It's not just money...if you grow food...

...grow a little extra for the needy. Set aside a plot of ground, or some chickens, or a cow, and raise something for the poor.

Bush won't stop making more poor people until he's out of office and we're the only one's who can mitigate the damage.

[Flying Dream Blues]

91. I did a little googling and found a great new charity I didn't know about in my hometown.

They have a food pantry and help homeless veterans become self-sustaining through housing, food pantry, education and other support. Thanks for giving me the kick to do something new and different. I look forward to helping them.
:hi:

[shireen]

92. thank you ...

your post is very important, and needs to be periodically posted in DU to remind people about this tragedy,

I don't make much but have been making monthly donations towards these efforts in memory of family members that I've lost, people I loved very much. You can set this up at networkforgood.com -- they make this very easy and have an extensive database of charities, including many local food banks. Even if the donations are small, if many people who can afford to do it pitch in, it will really help these food banks in a significant way.

[Bennyboy]

97. Yes, thanks for the info......

As someone that occasionally used the food banks, I appreciated your concern. last week, I got WAY less than usual. I used to be able to aqueak by but there is not a chance of that happening this month.

[Chovexani]

98. I'm moving in three weeks

Anything in my pantry that doesn't get used up is going to the local food bank. Thanks for the reminder.

[BlooInBloo]

99. k&r

[Blue Gardener]

100. Donate extra garden produce

If you have any you won't eat. Plan ahead for next year and plant a little extra.

[DarthDem]

101. You're Wonderful.

I'll do it. Thank you for mentioning this, and bless you for being such a kind person.

[1Hippiechick]

102. PLEASE REMEMBER THE KIDS IN THE PROJECTS HOME FROM SCHOOL DURING SUMMER

Many people don't stop to realize that the only food some children can depend on is the food they receive at school. So, in the summer, children in the projects are fed by food banks, at least locally. Our local director is appealing for anything.

K&R

[nam78_two]

106. Thank you-great post

We have been trying to do our part,but around here need exceeds supply right now. A lot of elderly people are sinking into dire poverty :-(.

[ncliberal]

107. Meals on Wheels is also a good place to donate time or money.

Please keep them in mind also. Unfortunately, there are some people that can't get to a food bank.

This program is losing volunteers due to high gas prices. They are also having a hard time feeding people due to rising food costs. Some locations are no longer delivering daily meals. I saw a story about a Meals on Wheels program in California that had to switch from daily deliveries to deliveries every 14 days. The results were catastrophic. For many people that meal is the only thing they eat all day.

Our local program is run by the Council on Aging. I'm not sure if it's the same everywhere.

[nam78_two]

109. excellent point-kick

Meals on Wheels does good work :thumbsup:!

[flygal]

111. thank you

I will be home next month and drop a check off to my local food bank.

[NNN0LHI]

113. I recently donated the Greater Chicago Food Depository and will do so again soon

Great post by the way!

Don

[Dover]

114. Central Texans - food bank links here >>>

Fresh Food
http://www.austinfoodbank.org/programs/fresh_food_for_families.html

Encourage your church, neighborhood, garden club, or community t
to supplement food banks with fresh locally grown food by creating a
food bank garden. Or provide 'seed money' for creating garden plots
in impoverished neighborhoods to be tended by those receiving the
food (kind of like Habitat for Humanity, but for food rather than shelter).


Capital Area Food Banks:
http://www.austinfoodbank.org/help/financial_donations.html


I Live Here, I Give Here:
https://secure.ga4.org/01/ilivehereigivehere


Kid's Cafe
http://www.austinfoodbank.org/programs/kids_cafe.html

[EstimatedProphet]

115. I plan to donate a lot of extra produce, when it ripens

[Dystopian]

116. Beautiful soul....

I have nothing to add except my heartfelt thanks...
Thank you for being you....
:loveya: :loveya: :loveya: :loveya: :loveya: :loveya: :loveya:


peace~

[JustDonated]

117. First and last post

Hi there. This will be my only post to DU... I am not welcome here, and since I absolutely respect the right of DU to set its own rules for membership I will not attempt to intrude where I am not wanted.

But I wanted to thank the OP. I've been having a very good year, and I've been remiss in my obligation to share my good fortune with those who are in need. So thank you, Brandy, for the reminder. After reading your post, I immediately contributed $500 to my local food bank, Northwest Harvest. I hope others who've read this were also inspired to contribute to worthy organizations dedicated to helping the needy.

Again, this will be my only post. I respectfully request that the moderators allow it to remain, at least long enough to ensure that oktoberain has a chance to read it. Thank you.