In the past three years (out of 20 we have been in existence), the number of guests our soup kitchen serves has doubled, and the guests at our food pantry had tripled.
At the exact same time as the need has dramatically risen: federal support (FEMA grants) and state support, which were small to begin with, have been cut to zero. ZERO!
This is not about government intervention. This is not about people lacking a work ethic. It is about people lacking a job. Unemployment nationwide is 10%. In some parts of the building trades it is 60% or higher.
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Next time you have a party or concert or service, ask people to bring non-perishable food. Collect it and bring it to the or any food pantry near you. This small gesture on your part will literally save lives. Enough thinking, writing, praying, and weeping ~ let's take action.