Dying For Food In the Land of Plenty: A Moment With Bill Reflection

Bill, you always have a way when you share on this topic and others that are heavy hitter, too. Thank you for always just putting it out there bluntly and succinctly. Very much appreciate this and have totally shared this all over. Thanks as always again!

I see a cycle and the cycle makes me very sad. One person can and should break it for another. A cool fact you gave shows only 47 million suffering. doesn't that mean that if only one in three helped one other the situation would be resolved?

Bill, in this once most powerful nation in the world, there is no excuse for even one person to be malnourished.

We give billions of dollars to countries who hate us. Countries that steal at least half of this money before any of the aid gets to their people. This is not a secret, those giving away our money are fully aware of this fact.

All we hear about on the news these days is about Obamacare. Yes, everyone in this country deserves healthcare. If we cut out even half of the corruption and total waste of our money most everyone in this country could have "free" healthcare.

We have lost our way and many now view the government as their savior. I'm glad that I grew up during the times when our own citizens looked out for one another rather than depending on some idiot in government.

So much of this could be easily fixed, yet it will never happen with the "business as usual" attitude of our elected representatives.

You are correct that it is our responsibility as moral human beings to help those in need. And that is how it used to be. Until the majority wake up and realize our government is not going to do this for us, we will always have people going hungry in this country. Food stamps provide a means to keep someone's heart beating, but that doesn't mean they are receiving the proper nourishment.

Billy, one of the most grotesque comments anyone has ever said to me was this:

One time when I had been clipping coupons and saved up a bunch of free stuff. I'm talking about shampoos, razors, soap, and more. I had 3 tall plastic shelving racks in the basement where this stuff was stored. I'm related to one of my neighbors. I walked over to give her some green peppers from my garden because she loves to cook with them.

She told me that her sister was dying of cancer, and her brother-in-law had just lost his job. They didn't know how they would support their two tweens.

I said, wait a minute, I'll run home and pack a few boxes of stuff I have. That way they won't have to worry about buying that stuff for a while. She said,

"save it for yourself, you might need it someday."

With that, she slammed the door in my face.

The following Sunday at Church, she YELLED across the pews to me where I sat alone about 10 rows ahead, and said she didn't want any of my stupid green peppers any more either.

Now, if that doesn't shout crazy, I don't know what does. But the point here is that people close their eyes to when people are in need. And I think they do this because they are afraid. They don't know what they would do in a situation like that. So they mentally freeze up. They harden themselves to it and pretend like it will never happen to them.

Telling the story in the first person brings a different perspective to the issue of hunger. It drives the point home in a way that we can really feel the depth of the problem. Thank goodness there are resources available, such as school provided meals to help feed these hungry kids. And yet there are so many starving people who do not have access to help. It's a very sad situation.

There is no excuse for hunger anywhere but most certainly not here in the United States where it is said 40% of the food we produce is thrown away! This is said to be a 50% jump since 1970...hello America...what are you doing? Isn't there a way to start putting this "waste" to use?

Did you ever buy day old bread? Why can't that be used to feed the hungry? What about food left over in restaurants? Instead of throwing it away why can't it be used in homeless shelters the next day? After all we tkae it home in doggie bags to eat the next day.

I'm preaching to the choir but making the point I agree with every word you wrote! It is time we all act my friend and you are helping to light the fire.

Voted all but funny, pinned and shared.

My daughter works for a large restaurant chain. Every night at closing time a van used to pull up to the back door and take all the pre-cooked food they were going to throw away. This food went to one or more of the homeless shelters here in town.

And then, the health department stepped in and advised them they would be fined if they continued to give away this perfectly good food.

And we wonder where the problem lies?

We often hear of hunger in Africa but not enough in our society! It's great that you wrote an article about that problem! If kids don't have enough to eat, they can't learn and if they can't learn, they will probably not be able to study to obtain a job.... and the cycle continues.

There is definitely something wrong somewhere along the way (may be even several something wrong); the question is, how can we fix those missing links so changes will take place on the long term. We need those young people for the future and they need their parents to take care of them. Unfortunately, I have no response to that. I try to do give time and money to several causes but I know it's not enough. One person can for sure make a difference but it takes the involvement of the society in general to make a long term positive change. I like the proverb "'It takes a village to raise a child" because it's stays true in all kinds of way!

I am glad that some schools offer a breakfast program; at least it gives something to some kids to help them to concentrate at school and let's hope they have a lunch in their lunch box!

Thanks again Bill for making us think :-)

Definitely voted up, useful and interesting!

That was heart-wrenching, Bill. When you write it as if you were those people, and bring up issues about malnutrition that many people wouldn't think about. It's not only about being hungry (and uncomfortable), it's about not having the nutrition the body needs to function properly, and sometimes to even survive. It's a shame so many are going hungry in the "land of the plenty".

Thanks for sharing this with us, my friend.

Have a great day.

~ Kathryn

Bill,

Economics, power, government, misuse of funds and our own inability to understand what others are experiencing are all factors. Once again you put the subject in perspective. How can one of the wealthiest countries in the world let it's people starve?

Bill, there is none so blind..... even when we are surrounded by pain and misery, it is easier to pretend it is not happening. Far simpler to blame the poor for being poor. Humanity, honour, empathy national pride and fairness are all words that appears to be redundant in our society.

I wish I could say this powerful article will some how shame people into action, but I'm becoming rather jaded.

The rich will always look after the rich while holding the poor in contempt. This article says it all, right from the beautiful heart of one who can't help but care.

My very best.

kidscrafts is right on what I wanted to say and then if we want to feed the hungry the government wants to charge us so much we cannot even think of doing it, Bill something needs to be done. If enough people spoke to the government and said we want something done about this or else, I think they would listen. How much of our money goes to non citizens? Don't we have a say? Sure we do! Do you know anyone who knows what to do Bill? You have enough friends to back it and then each of us have friends and then there is twitter and facebook....it needs to just get pushing in the right direction. Maybe before Christmas? It is coming winter and these people are sleeping under bridges, My son witnessed one hit and killed on the interstate 2 years ago or less. She got a cramp in her leg he said it looked like and got run down and slung right past his window.

Very powerful hub, Bill and as always you have an amazing way with words. Voted up and shared!

You sure know how to keep it real. Reading this makes me feel the same way I do when I'm out and about and I see a homeless and hungry person. A part of me dies when I see someone who's living life just for a warm blanket or a meal - warm or cold. That's why, in my car, I travel with pre-packaged lunch bags with food, utensils, napkins, and water. It makes it easy to hand a hungry person a meal. I don't have to go out of my way - just reach into the back seat of my car and hand them a meal. I'm just one person helping one person. When people wholeheartedly grab ahold of your movement, H.O.W. everyone in the world could be served with one person helping at least one other person.

Bill, also keep in mind that for some, being hungry means they are one hour late getting to eat lunch. They have never experienced real hunger in their entire lives.

Bill, there is no reason that I can fathom why anyone has to go hungry, especially here in the US, or around the world, when there seems to be so much waste. I am glad they do have the school breakfast programs, for a child need the most important meal of the day to be able to learn and think properly with good nutrition. We all can do our part, something, anything. I remember telling having a talk with my son about this one time when he was very young, that if he knows if someone is thirsty or hungry, to offer them a drink or food, if he has it. And he remembered and tested me on this by bringing home a young rapper young man who he met while skateboarding, and all my son said to me way, "Mom, this is _______ his name, and he is hungry." I told him, okay, I have not fixed dinner yet, but he is welcome to whatever we have in the fridge. He ate a bowl of cold tortellini and was on his was, after saying thank you. We can all prepare little brown bags for a homeless person we happen to see, as in my homeless ministry. I just include a bottled water, protein bar, maps to the local homeless shelter and scripture for hope and comfort. I tell them that the Lord wanted me to tell them that He loved them and to give them this (I hand them the brown bag, which has scripture on one side and a cross on the other), and they always say, "God bless you." The Lord opened my eyes to those around the building in which I work in the city, as you have read here before.

Contributing to food banks is always good as they do run low. However, big companies who waste a lot of food should really get together with those who are willing to distribute the food or either have a place set up and hand-outs around the area to let those who are hungry know that the food is available that is still perfectly good before they just waste it.

Up and more and sharing

God bless, Faith Reaper

Bill,

Your writing is so pointed, passionate and cuts right to the chase. There comes a point where people have to be more important than any political agenda. I adore people like you, Faith, the team I worked with in Philadelphia where we just reached out, despite city laws not to feed the homeless. I still cannot figure a law that stops me from being kind, so I had to ignore it.

Thank you, Bill. You reach so many with your words and you do make a difference. Love, Maria

Bill,

You are a great American and with such deep insight fullness and vision.

You are frank to discuss global problems and come out with solutions.

i am an Indian very much concerned food related problems because in our country rural poor are suffering from under nutrition and malnutrition, Government schemes and trickle down economics is on paper only.

Few examples about food wastage is mentioned here, i appreciate awareness and activism in food hunger and welfare .

pramodgokhale

Homeless and the hungry you have put lots of thought into this hub and it is sad to see such faces along the streets great and a meaningful hub indeed.

I think a lot of people don't realize they might be working right along side a person that has no food. I've definitely been at that point in my life at times when I could not afford food because I did not get paid enough. Sometimes I even work 2 jobs and can't afford food... and I have a college degree! Of course, if I did not have to pay back student loans, maybe I'd have that money for food, but that is another story. Great hub and voted up!

This is a sad state of affairs. I see so much food wasted every day. Those who can afford to buy food toss it out.

I believe in people obtaining food stamps when they are eligible to receive them.

I volunteer at our local church in our free suppers for the homeless. Wish I could do more.

Voted UP and shared.

Bill, as a teacher of handicapped kids for many years, I saw several who seemed to be malnourished. I even tried to take groceries to some and took a few to get burgers and bought shoes for one child, who was robbed a day later by a drunken father of his prized new shoes. All we can do is try. I have never regretted what I did and still yearn for those days. Thanks Bill. whonu

I hear you on this. Despite there being almost too much food in America, people still starve.

I spend most days without food, One meal a day is a blessing. Most days my body is cold and I have to struggle to get anything done, But the things I do are focused on helping others as best I can. It can be tough to envision a better future, one that includes the simple shelter and "basic needs" such as electricity, water, showers, a place to prepare meals. All the things so many take for granted. Thank you bill for what you and many others are doing because of you.

Mark

I keep running after the Sound Metro and missing it, but better late than never, or at least that's what the islanders say. : ) Hi, Bill! Good morning! And before I go on my Friday morning walk, I wanted to weigh in and thank you for raising awareness. My wife and I enjoy ministering to the elderly each Saturday afternoon, but it's our daughter who has a special place in her heart and a ministry for the homeless. If every American can do just a little, we'll erode the national moral debt. I'm a realist, as you are, and that will never happen in our lifetime. I'm also a dreamer, as you are, and I can still hope. I'm also doing something about it, as you are, and I can still manage to get outside of myself every now and then. Thanks for helping us all to connect with the things inside that we've somehow glossed over in the press of life. Aloha and a big hug, my friend!

~Joe

Never any excuse for anyone being hungry in your country or in mine or, indeed, in many others. Look at Mugabe who took over the 'breadbasket of Africa' and look at that country now - terrible! It's hard to fight against dictators and monsters but it isn't hard to put our hands in our pockets to help or to put pen to paper to write to MPs and governments who should be doing more.

Not deserting these people and raising awareness 'one person at a time' is indeed so important; thank goodness for those like you who try to make a difference, difficult though it may be. Ann

As you have said before, the power of the written word is given to us for a reason. Ann

I remember being hungry with nothing in the house to eat, but it was only for a day. I can't imagine going from day to day wondering where the next meal was coming from. With the amount of food thrown out by restaurants, homes, schools, etc., you would think the hunger problem would be nonexistent. I hate that the laws do not allow restaurants to donate food to homeless shelters for fear of law suits. I am going to put together meal bags for the homeless to distribute to the homeless in our area. A follow up from the sharing on H.O.W. God bless you, Bill.

Everyone should have the right to good health and food, as well as a job.

It makes absolutely no sense to me, Bill, that we, one of the richest nations in the world, and the formerly most powerful, cannot find a solution to the misery of poverty and hunger. Why can't those billions and billions of foreign aid money be used to feed our citizens?

I'm always surprised and saddened by the statistics for our local food cupboard. It goes up and up, not down. I think we forget how fortunate we are. Thanks for another reminder that there are many who are not so fortunate.