General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsDespite that "strong economy", food bank director seeing increased need for services
Despite the strong economy generally, Food bank director Dell Deierling said the need may be higher than usual.The food bank is experiencing a 14 percent increase in visits compared to last year, Deierling said. That is partly due to a policy change that allows customers to use the food bank weekly rather than three times a month, and its also due to increased need. We are seeing a lot of new faces
Higher need at the food bank usually correlates with a greater number of families also unable to provide gifts under their Christmas tree.
This is a time of year when children really should feel an extra spark, Deierling said. Through the Toy Store, our community helps create a little more joy for these children in need. That is something very special.
https://www.arlingtontimes.com/life/marysville-seeks-food-toys-volunteers-to-help-those-in-need-for-holidays/
Another asterisk for our "strong economy".
Iliyah
(25,111 posts)Corporate media alonwith their counter part the GOP are constantly infusing this bullshit.
dewsgirl
(14,961 posts)Whatever their greedy black hearts desire.
beachbumbob
(9,263 posts)center parking lots are full and people standing outside by 9am every morning. We have some historically "low" unemployment numbers as well, so do we believe our eyes or numbers that a trump admin would have NO problem in manipulating?
Newest Reality
(12,712 posts)History, they say, is written by the victors. In my opinion, this "strong economy" is written by those who are actually prospering and enjoying its fruits. From what the info shows, they are doing better than ever and gathering and grabbing more of everything.
So, it seems a bit fool hearty to make the mistake of identifying with a catch phrase that says the wealthier among us are reaping the benefits of what this culture and our infrastructure provide them most generously and with little in the way of requirements to pay that forward or enrich the commons. We are moving towards a country that is of the wealthy, by the wealthy and for the wealthy and anything that might change that has a taboo on the words that describe it, so, in an Orwellian sense they unexist.
We are stuck in a void of class, i.e., we just aren't supposed think or talk about the Oligarchical problem and so, nonsense about the booming economy passes as a general, inclusive fact. It is not. Corporate mass media has its level and sphere of influence and self-interests at stake, but we are not in that club.
smirkymonkey
(63,221 posts)murielm99
(30,765 posts)chronically short on food. Also, the shelters are experiencing record numbers of users. Many of the newer users are families.
The people who are using the shelters and the people who run them claim that many of those seeking shelter are the working poor. They cannot afford the cost of housing. Rents are too high.
abqtommy
(14,118 posts)Last edited Sun Oct 20, 2019, 10:31 PM - Edit history (1)
any good depending on a variety of circumstances like trends in both charitable giving and financial
appropriations by politicians.
Rebl2
(13,563 posts)a suburb of Kansas City, Mo. Another suburb close by has a food bank that doesnt have any requirements that you prove need. I had a friend who could easily pay for food, yet she would go to this food bank and get groceries. Dont most food banks require you show need?
Last spring one of the richest suburbs in Kansas-Johnson County-had parents (who they knew made 3 figure salaries) were not paying into their childrens lunch accounts at their childrens school. The school districts gave them until the end of the school year to pay up and if they didnt, it would be turned over to collectors. They paid up on their accounts pretty quick.
I guess my point is, if you dont have to prove need, or if you think you can get away with it people will take advantage. By the way, this suburb in MO. is extremely Republican as is Johnson County KS.
janterry
(4,429 posts)doesn't ask that you prove need. Moreover, you can 'double dip' at any other food bank (like the one the next town over). In fact, according to the woman who runs it: "It's encouraged."
Many have food stamps, as well. Some work. Others claim to be homeless, but live w/relatives (that claim means you can come in at least once a week - those 'on the streets' can come in 3x a week). Many claim to be single and come in with their 'non-partner' and both fill up on groceries. They'll say: I need the ride from him/her. I've caught it as a fib.......(both getting pet food for the same animal that they happily describe). I don't confront them.
You could legit live on what we give out (and some of it is very high quality stuff - I mean stuff I wouldn't afford in my budget).
I think food banks have served an important need. But, in some areas - they over estimate how much of a gap it fills......
Wounded Bear
(58,721 posts)I_UndergroundPanther
(12,480 posts)I can't remember when I got an SSI for increase that was not gobbled up by rent increase or a drop in how much food stamps I get. Everytime something takes that Increase away. Even if it's a few bucks.